ARISAEMA / Dan Nan Xing

ARISAEMA (Chinese: 胆南星 Dan Nan Xing)

Size: 6 gm

Actions:

Dries dampness and expels phlegm. Use for cough.

Disperses wind-phlegm and stops spasms. Use for dizziness, vertigo, numbness on the limbs, or facial paralysis.

Notes: Untreated Arisaematis is extremely warming, acrid, and toxic. Processed Arisaema (Dan Nan Xing) is cooling, bitter, and no longer toxic. It is moistening in nature. Because it is cooling it can transform phlegm-heat, and extinguish wind to settle convulsions and spasms.

Packets can be taken singly or combined with other herbs to make a formula. Use one packet to four cups water. Drink 1-3 cups per day. Please consult Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica for more information on the uses of individual herbs. There are many books that give recipes for formulas that you can make with the Sanjiu herbs.