Ma Qian Zi (马钱子) is the seed of nux vomica, recorded as Semen Strychni. It is bitter in flavour and cold in temperature, entering the Liver and Spleen channels. The catalogue files it under obsolete substances.

Pinyin

ma qian zi

Chinese

马钱子

Latin Name

Semen Strychni

English Name

nux vomica seed

Japanese

basenshi

Korean

majeonja

Actions and indications

Unblocks the channels and collaterals, disperses clumps, cools Blood Heat, reduces swelling and relieves pain

Sores, abscesses and ulcers of Yin type
Deep-rooted toxic sores, carbuncles and ulcers that will not heal, applied topically
Swelling and pain from injury, including bruising and the pain of fractures
Stubborn Wind-Damp Bi with pain, pins and needles, numbness and spasm, where milder Wind-Damp herbs have failed
Wind-Cold-Damp Bi
Facial paralysis
Numbness and weakness of the limbs
Tumors
Phlegm-Damp obstructing the Heart
Liver and Kidney deficiency
Qi stagnation of the Liver and Gallbladder
Stomach Qi stagnation

Combinations

ru xiang + zi ran tong + gu sui bu + mo yao

Traumatic pain, swelling, sprains and fractures, applied topically

shan dou gen + ban lan gen

Badly swollen, painful throat

xiong huang + ru xiang + chuan shan jia

Sores, abscesses and swellings that are painful

zhi chuan wu + wei ling xian

Wind-Damp Bi with numbness, weakness or spasms

ma huang + cang zhu + quan xie

Intense Wind-Cold Bi.

ma huang + ru xiang + mo yao

Aching muscles. Used topically to reduce swelling and relieve pain

ma huang + ru xiang + cang zhu + quan xie + huai niu xi

Wind-Damp Bi.

gan cao

Numb, paralyzed limbs

ren shen + dang gui + ru xiang + chuan shan jia

Facial paralysis. Myasthenia gravis. Numbness and atrophy of the limbs

Age

Raw

Granule

Tincture

Concentrate

Frequency

Any Internally: .02-.09g; Topically: .1-.3g; Tincture: 3-18 drops/day; Zhi Ma Qian Zi; Powder or pill: .6-1.2g; Tincture: 3-18 drops/day

.02-.09 g

—

3-18 drops

—

Cautions

caution Extremely toxic; the effective and toxic doses lie very close together

caution The raw, unprocessed seed must never be used; only the processed (sand-fried) form, in small amounts for short courses under qualified supervision

caution Take extreme care with internal use

caution The toxin passes through the skin, so external use also needs care

caution Early signs of overdose include a crawling feeling around the neck, trouble swallowing and irritability

caution Not for long-term use

caution Irritates tissues in acute conditions

pregnancy Strictly contraindicated in pregnancy

lactation Do not use while breastfeeding

paediatric Not for children

contraindication General weakness or debility

contraindication Heat patterns

contraindication Hypertension

contraindication Serious disease of the liver or kidneys

contraindication Overactivity of the brain or spinal cord

contraindication Heart conditions or a tendency to seizures, given strychnine's stimulating effect on the nervous system

contraindication Paralysis accompanied by contractures or spasm

ma qian zi

About ma qian zi

Names

Classification

Actions and indications

Unblocks the channels and collaterals, disperses clumps, cools Blood Heat, reduces swelling and relieves pain

Combinations

Dosage

Cautions

Interactions

Drug interactions