Zhi Tian Nan Xing (Prepared Jack in the Pulpit Rhizome)

Herb 9 of 9 in Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold

Channels:

LIV, LU, SP

Properties:

Bitter, Spicy, Warm, Toxic

Latin:

Arisaematis Rhizoma preparatum

Chinese:

制天南星

Tone Marks:

zhì tiān nán xīng

Translation:

Star of the Southern Heavens

Chinese Herb Actions

• Dries Damp, Expels Phlegm
  Treats cough with stubborn hot phlegm and a stifling, distended sensation in the chest. This herb is extremely drying and treats many types of damp and phlegm accumulation.
• Dispels Wind and Phlegm, Stops Spasms
  Treats dizziness, vertigo, facial paralysis, seizures, convulsions, tetanus, epilepsy, opisthotonos and stroke. Also treats numbness in the limbs and lock jaw.
• Dissipates Nodules, Reduces Swelling, Relieves Pain
  Used topically to reduce swelling and nodules. Treats sores, ulcers, carbuncles, and swelling associated with trauma or joint pain. Treats cervical cancer topically and internally.

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Do not use unprepared form for internal use
• Do not use in cases of cough with Yin Deficiency
• Do not use in cases of Liver Wind or Wind due to Fire or Blood Deficiency
• Do not use during pregnancy

Herb-Drug Interactions

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Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• The entire plant is toxic and unsuitable for ingestion unless pre-processed, usually with ginger. Overdose of processed herb leads to numbness of the extremities, paralysis and numbness of the mouth and tongue, edema, salivation, difficulty in opening the mouth, erosion and necrosis of the oral and pharyngeal mucosa. Severe cases can include loss of consciousness, slow and irregular respiration, dyspnea, and/or death due to respiratory paralysis
• This herb is considered toxic.
  (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity)

Chinese Herb Dosage

• 5-10 grams in decoction, maximum 15 grams for tumors (Chen)
• 3-9 grams in decoction (Bensky)

Chinese Herb Notes

• Zhi Tian Nan Xing is extremely drying, warming and toxic compared to Dan Nan Xing which is moistening, cooling, non-toxic, and is able to clear Hot-Phlegm and convulsions.
• Zhi Tian Nan Xing is used to treat cancer.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Xiao Huo Luo Dan (Minor Invigorate the Collaterals Special Pill)
  Category: Formulas that Release Wind from the Skin and Channels
• Yu Zhen San (True Jade Powder)
  Category: Formulas that Release Wind from the Skin and Channels