Cāng Ěr Zǐ (苍耳子) — Xanthium Fruit
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1. Overview
Cāng Ěr Zǐ (苍耳子) — Xanthium sibiricum fruit — is the most important herb in Chinese medicine for opening the nasal passages in chronic sinusitis and rhinitis. It belongs to the category of Warm acrid herbs that release the exterior and is the chief herb in Cang Er Zi San. It is uniquely valued for treating long-standing nasal congestion and post-nasal drip from Wind-Damp obstruction.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Cāng Ěr Zǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 苍耳子 |
| Latin name | Xanthium sibiricum |
| English name | Xanthium fruit / cocklebur |
| Nature | Warm; slightly toxic |
| Flavour | Acrid, bitter |
| Channels entered | Lung |
| Category | Warm acrid herbs that release the exterior |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Opens the nasal passages
- Expels Wind and disperses Cold
- Dispels Wind-Damp and unblocks the channels; alleviates pain
Indications
- Chronic sinusitis with thick nasal discharge, frontal pressure, loss of smell
- Allergic rhinitis with sneezing, nasal itching and watery discharge
- Wind-Cold exterior with nasal congestion
- Wind-Damp Bi syndrome with painful joints
- Wind-Damp itching skin disorders
4. Key formulas containing Cāng Ěr Zǐ
- Cang Er Zi San — the principal formula for chronic sinusitis and rhinitis
- Xin Yi San — combined sinus and nasal congestion formula
5. Cautions
Cang Er Zi is slightly toxic. Must be prepared correctly (lightly dry-fried) and used in proper clinical doses. Raw seeds contain toxic carboxyatractyloside; excessive or improperly prepared doses have caused liver toxicity. Avoid in Blood deficiency headache. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM; never self-prescribe.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Cang Er Zi within tailored formulas for chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal congestion. I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available.
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