Tian Nan Xing (天南星) is the rhizome of arisaema, the jack-in-the-pulpit, recorded as Rhizoma Arisaematis. The alternative name 制天南星 marks the rhizome after processing.

Pinyin

tian nan xing

Chinese

天南星·制天南星

Latin Name

Rhizoma Arisaematis

English Name

jackinthepulpit tuber

Prepared forms (1)

zhi tian nan xing Zhi

制天南星·Rhizoma Arisaematis praeparatum

Toxic

Zhi Tian Nan Xing (制天南星) is arisaema rhizome after processing, recorded as Rhizoma Arisaematis Praeparatum. It is bitter and acrid in flavour, warm in temperature, and enters the Lung, Liver and Spleen channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that transform Phlegm-Cold.

Dries Damp and expels Phlegm

Cough with Phlegm in the Lungs that is stubborn and very sticky, and a stifling, distended chest
Accumulations of Damp and Phlegm of many kinds

Disperses Wind-Phlegm from the channels and stops spasms

Wind-Phlegm lodged in the channels, with dizziness and vertigo, numb limbs, facial paralysis, and spasm or tremor of the hands and feet
Opisthotonos, lockjaw, convulsions, seizures, epilepsy and tetanus
Stroke and its after-effects

Dissipates nodules, reduces swelling and relieves pain

Deep-rooted sores, ulcers and carbuncles (Chuang Yong), applied topically
Swellings and nodules, applied topically
Swelling from traumatic injury, and joint pain from Phlegm
Cervical cancer, applied topically

Age	Raw	Granule	Tincture	Concentrate	Frequency
Any 3-10g; Tincture: 1-3ml	3-10 g	—	1-3 ml	—	—

contraindication A strongly drying herb, it would worsen dry Phlegm or a dry cough due to Yin deficiency
contraindication Dry cough where intense Heat has stirred up Wind
contraindication Dry cough where Blood deficiency has stirred up Wind
contraindication Heat and Dryness in the Lungs
contraindication Liver Wind, or Wind from deficiency; use only for true Wind-Phlegm
pregnancy Contraindicated in pregnancy
caution Never take the unprocessed rhizome internally
caution Can cause drowsiness; take care when driving or operating heavy machinery
caution Classed as toxic even when processed, so it belongs only in a formula prescribed by a practitioner, never in self-treatment
caution Easily confused with related Arisaema species and other arum-family rhizomes; use authenticated material from a licensed supplier

tian nan xing

About tian nan xing

Names

Classification

Prepared forms (1)

zhi tian nan xing Zhi

Dries Damp and expels Phlegm

Disperses Wind-Phlegm from the channels and stops spasms

Dissipates nodules, reduces swelling and relieves pain

About tian nan xing

Names

Classification

Prepared forms (1)

zhi tian nan xing Zhi

Dries Damp and expels Phlegm

Disperses Wind-Phlegm from the channels and stops spasms

Dissipates nodules, reduces swelling and relieves pain

Related

Prepared forms

Used in 5 formulas