☯ TCM Properties
Astringes the Lungs, tonifies Qi relieves coughing and resolves Phlegm
Traditional Chinese Uses
Tian Zhu Zi is the ripe fruit of Nandina domestica (Berberidaceae), heavenly bamboo. Sour and sweet with a neutral nature and entering the Lung channel, it astringes the Lung to relieve chronic cough and wheezing and resolves Phlegm. It is a traditional remedy for lingering cough, whooping cough, and asthmatic breathing with copious phlegm, and has also been used for malarial fevers and eye complaints. It is usually decocted in small amounts.
The fruit contains isoquinoline alkaloids and cyanogenic compounds and is regarded as slightly toxic; it must not be taken raw or in excess, since overdose can cause nausea, vomiting and, from cyanogenic glycosides, more serious poisoning.
Botanical Description
Nandina domestica is an evergreen, suckering, multi-stemmed shrub of the Berberidaceae, native to eastern Asia (China, Japan) and widely planted as an ornamental. It grows 1.5–2.5 m tall, the cane-like, unbranched stems bearing the foliage near the top in a bamboo-like silhouette — hence the common names 'heavenly bamboo' and 'sacred bamboo'. The large, alternate, two- or three-times pinnately compound leaves carry numerous lanceolate, leathery leaflets that flush pink-bronze in spring, mature dark green in summer, and turn deep red in autumn and winter. Large terminal panicles of small white six-tepalled flowers appear in early summer, succeeded by long-persistent clusters of bright red, glossy, two-seeded berries about 6–8 mm across. The dried mature berries are the medicinal organ. Raw berries contain cyanogenic glycosides and are toxic; processing is required.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | 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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