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Cang Er Zi

Xanthium strumarium

Family: Asteraceae Genus: Xanthium Species: strumarium Pinyin: Cang Er Zi Latin: Fructus Xanthii

Synonyms: Xanthium strumarium subsp. sibiricum, Xanthium strumarium var. subinerme, Xanthium indicum var. inaequilaterum, Xanthium strumarium subsp. strumarium, Xanthium antiquorum, Xanthium abyssinicum, Xanthium pungens var. globuliforme, Xanthium arenarium, Xanthium strumarium var. brasilicum, Xanthium strumarium var. inaequilaterum, Xanthium sibiricum var. subinerme, Xanthium sibiricum, Xanthium natalense, Xanthium sibiricum var. jingyuanense, Xanthium strumarium subsp. brasilicum, Xanthium japonicum, Xanthium mongolicum, Xanthium indicum, Xanthium brasilicum, Xanthium macrocarpum, Xanthium inaequilaterum

Cocklebur (English) Common Cocklebur (English) Rough Cocklebur (English) Cang Er Zi (Chinese (Pinyin)) 苍耳子 (Chinese)
Xanthium strumarium — flower
Xanthium strumarium — flower

☯ TCM Properties

Category: releasing_exterior
Temperature: warm
Taste: sweet, bitter, pungent
Meridians: lung, liver
Functions:

Disperses Wind and Dampness and opens the nasal passages; Disperses Wind and dispels Dampness; Dispels Exterior Wind

Western Herbalism Properties

Actions:
anti-inflammatoryanalgesicantimicrobial

Botanical Description

Xanthium strumarium is a coarse annual herb in the daisy family (Asteraceae), growing 30-150 cm tall. Stems are stout, rough-hairy, and often spotted. Leaves are triangular to heart-shaped, 5-15 cm long, rough and hairy on both surfaces, with irregularly toothed margins. Plants are monoecious with separate male and female flower heads. The distinctive fruit is a hard, oval, spiny burr 1-2 cm long covered with hooked spines that attach to clothing and animal fur. The seeds (2 per burr) are the medicinal part (Cang Er Zi).

Habitat:

Roadsides, waste places, riverbanks, fields, and disturbed habitats; cosmopolitan weed found throughout temperate and tropical regions worldwide.

Native Region: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, Cambodia, China North-Central, China South-Central, China Southeast, Corse, Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., East European Russia, East Himalaya, France, Greece, Hainan, Hungary, India, Inner Mongolia, Iran, Italy, Kriti, Krym, Laos, Lebanon-Syria, Manchuria, Mongolia, Morocco, Myanmar, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Palestine, Portugal, Qinghai, Romania, Sardegna, Sicilia, Sinai, South European Russi, Spain, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tadzhikistan, Taiwan, Thailand, Tibet, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkey-in-Europe, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, West Himalaya, Xinjiang, Yugoslavia
Conservation Notes:

Xanthium strumarium is one of the most widespread weeds in the world. It is considered invasive in many regions. No conservation concerns. Note: the plant and immature fruits are toxic to livestock.

Cultural & Historical Context

Traditional Chinese Uses

Cang Er Zi (xanthium fruit, cocklebur fruit) is a warm, pungent herb used in Chinese medicine to open the nasal passages and dispel Wind-Cold-Damp. It is the primary herb for chronic nasal congestion, sinusitis, rhinitis, and headache from Wind-Cold or Wind-Damp blocking the sinuses. Its warmth and dispersing action make it specifically suited for cold-type nasal conditions with clear or white discharge. It has mild toxicity and should not be overdosed.

Chemistry & External Identifiers

Trefle ID
2405

Important Disclaimer

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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