Liang Mian Zhen

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Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC.

Genus: Zanthoxylum Species: nitidum Pinyin: Liang Mian Zhen
Shiny-leaved Prickly Ash Root两面针

☯ TCM Properties

Category: regulating blood
Temperature: neutral
Taste: bitter, pungent
Meridians: liver, stomach
Functions:

Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis; Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain; Dispels Wind-Dampness and Unblocks the Collaterals; Resolves Toxicity and Reduces Swelling

Traditional Chinese Uses

Liang Mian Zhen (zanthoxylum nitidum, shiny-leaved prickly ash) is a warm herb used in Chinese medicine for its pain-relieving, Blood-moving, and toxin-clearing properties. It is used for joint pain and stiffness from Wind-Cold-Damp obstruction, traumatic injury pain, and toothache. Its warming, circulating action makes it applicable to cold-type pain from Blood and Qi obstruction in the channels. Its mild toxicity requires that it not be taken in excess.

Western Herbalism Properties

Actions:
analgesicstimulantanti-inflammatory

Botanical Description

Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC. (Rutaceae), the shiny-leaf prickly ash, is a scrambling evergreen shrub or woody climber to 3-5 m, with stems and branches densely armed with stout, recurved, broad-based prickles. The alternate, imparipinnate leaves bear three to nine glossy, leathery, ovate to elliptic leaflets 4-10 cm long, with crenate margins and prominent translucent oil dots; the rachis and midribs are also prickly. Small, four-merous, pale yellow-green flowers in axillary panicles give rise to reddish-brown, glandular-dotted follicles releasing shiny black seeds. Native to southern China, Taiwan, Indochina, the Indian subcontinent, and the Pacific islands, the pungent, aromatic root (Liang Mian Zhen) is used in TCM and southern Chinese folk medicine to invigorate blood, dispel wind-damp, and relieve pain.

Dosage

FormAmount Frequency Duration Population Notes
decoction 6-15g Daily

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

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