Tian Nan Xing

Arisaema erubescens (Wall.) Schott; Arisaema heterophyllum Blume; Arisaema amurense Maxim.

Genus: Arisaema Species: erubescens Pinyin: Tian Nan Xing
Jack-in-the-Pulpit rhizome天南星

☯ TCM Properties

Category: transforming_phlegm
Temperature: warm
Taste: bitter, pungent
Meridians: lung, liver, spleen
Functions:

Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm; Transforms Wind-Phlegm and Stops Spasms; Disperses Swelling and Dissipates Nodules

Western Herbalism Properties

Actions:
expectorantantispasmodic

Botanical Description

Tian Nan Xing is the dried corm-like rhizome of several closely related species of Arisaema (Araceae), chiefly A. erubescens, A. heterophyllum, and A. amurense, all perennial tuberous herbs native to East Asia. Each year a single false stem (actually a long fleshy petiole) emerges from the depressed-globose corm, bearing one or two compound leaves with 7-19 radiating lance-shaped leaflets resembling a partly-opened hand. The inflorescence is a typical aroid spadix enclosed in a hooded green or purple-striped spathe with a long whip-like tip, ripening into a dense head of bright orange-red berries. The fresh corm is intensely acrid and irritant due to needle-like calcium oxalate raphides and must be processed (boiled with ginger, alum, or bile) before therapeutic use; raw material is considered toxic.

Dosage

FormAmountFrequency DurationPopulationNotes
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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