Dan Nan Xing - Jack in the Pulpit Rhizome and Bile

TCM Materia Medica

Dan Nan Xing TCM Herb Classifications and Usages

The TCM herb "dan nan xing" which in english is "jack in the pulpit rhizome and bile", is categorized within the "herbs that cool and transform phlegm heat" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the liver, lung and spleen channels and exhibits bitter (ku) and cool taste/temperature properties.

Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:

  • Dosage: 2-5g

Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:

  • Transforms phlegm heat, extinguishes wind, stops convulsions - muscle spasms/cramps, infantile convulsions, seizure disorders, facial paralysis, stroke (CVA) from wind and phlegm obstruction.
  • Zhi (or Tian) Nan Xing is prepared with fresh ginger and Dan Nan Xing is prepared with cow bile.

Dan Nan Xing has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).

  • Avoid during pregnancy.

While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, dan nan xing is generally included in the following 5 formulas:

ViewBu Nao Wan (Brain Supplementing Pills)

A range of psychiatric, cognitive decline, trauma issues - benefit and clears the brain, transforms phlegm and tonifies kidney qi and the blood. Often used for both general cognitive decline/dementi…

ViewHui Chun Wan (Recovery Special Pill)

Most often used for childhood convulsions (possibly with wheezing, nausea, nighttime crying, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive mucus/saliva) or other conditions that involve fever, impaired or loss of …

ViewQing Qi Hua Tan Wan (Clear the Qi and Transform Phlegm Pill)

Cough with thick yellow or green phlegm, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and possible fullness of the chest due to damp heat accumulation in the lungs.

ViewXiao Huo Luo Wan (Minor Invigorate Channels Pills)

Coming Soon...

ViewZhong Feng Hui Chun Wan (Stroke Recovery Pills)

Bell's Palsy, facial paralysis, slurry of speech, difficulty swallowing. Stroke, Transient Ischemic Attack.

As noted above, dan nan xing is within the herbs that cool and transform phlegm heat functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.

(truncated intro "... used for phlegm-heat and dry-phlegm patterns - coughs, scrofula, goiters (stagnant phlegm-fire in the channel), convulsions. )".

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