Cang Er Zi - Cocklebur Fruit, Xanthium
TCM Materia Medica
Cang Er Zi TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "cang er zi" which in english is 
"cocklebur fruit, xanthium", is categorized within the "herbs that dispel wind dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the lung channels and exhibits bitter (ku), sweet (gan) and warm (wen) 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: 3-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Expels wind and damp - bi syndromes, skin disorders with itching.
- Nasal passage obstruction - thick nasal discharge, sinus headache; often combined with Xin Yi Hua and Bai Zhi.
Cang Er Zi may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: itching, sinusitis and/or skin problems (rash)
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, cang er zi is generally included in the following 3 formulas:
ViewBi Yan Wan (Nose Inflammation Tablets)
For acute or chronic rhinitis resulting from the combination of lung qi deficiency and phlegm accumulation. Runny nose, sneezing, congestion due to phlegm. Can be used to treat for general cold or …
ViewTe Xiao Bi Min Gan Wan (Specially Effective Nasal Allergy Pills)
Generally useful for a range of allergy symptoms - seasonal allergies, rhinitis, sinusitis, dry or watery eyes, sinus headaches, etc. Can be used both as a preventative and as a symptomatic aid for …
ViewXin Yi Wan (Magnolia Flower Powder)
Colds and/or allergies with cold signs (white mucus and/or no fever, etc.). Chronic sinus congestions / issues, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, loss of smell. Headaches from sinus congestion.
As noted above, cang er zi is within the herbs that dispel wind dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... for wind-dampness from the muscle, sinews, joints, and bones; bi-syndromes. wind-predominant bi (xing bi) - pain moves from joint to joint. cold-predominant bi (tong bi) - severe, fixed pain that is made worse by cold. damp-predominant b…)".
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