Tian Nan Xing
Name: Chinese Arisaema (天南星)
Pinyin: Tian Nan Xing
Pharm. Name: Rhizoma Arisaematis
Properties:
|
Taste |
Characteristics |
Organs |
Dosage |
|
Bitter, Acrid |
Dry dampness and resolve phlegm, extinguish wind and stop spasms, resolve swelling and dissipate nodulation externally |
Liver, Lung, Spleen |
3-10g |
Description:
Its action of drying dampness and resolving phlegm is slightly weaker than that of Ban Xia while warmer, dryer, and more toxic than that of Ban Xia. So it is not used as common as Ban Xia when treating damp-phlegm and cold-phlegm. For damp-phlegm obstruction of lung, cough and profuse expectoration and distension and oppression of chest and diaphragm, it is usually combined with dampness-drying and phlegm-resolving herbs. This herb is good at dispelling wind-phlegm from meridians and collaterals to stop spasms, so it is usually indicated for all the syndromes of wind-phlegm. For hemiplegia, stubborn numbness of hands and legs, and deviated mouth and eyes resulted from the wind-phlegm accumulation of meridians and collaterals, it is usually combined with damp-drying and phlegm-resolving herbs.