Cang'erzi Fructus Xanthii
Its source is from the fruit and involucre of Xanthium sibiricum Patr., family Compositae. The producing areas are in all parts of China. The medicinal material is collected in autumn, dried in the sun, and are stir-baked for being used as medicine after its thorns are removed.
Medicinal Properties Pungent and bitter in flavor, warm in nature, mildly toxic and attributive to lung meridian.
Actions Expel wind and dampness, clear the nasal passage and alleviate pain.
Application
1. It is indicated for headache due to affection of wind-cold and arthralgia of wind-damp type. For the disease due to exterior wind and cold marked by aversion to cold with anhidrosis, headache and stuffy nose, it is often combined with Fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae), Qianghuo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii ), Baizhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae), etc. ; for arthralgia of wind-damp type and spasm of limbs, it can be used in single or together with Qianghuo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii), Duhuo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis ), and Weilingxian (Radix Clematidis ) , etc..
2. For headache due to sinusitis, loss of smelling due to stuffy nose and episodes of running nose, it is often combined with Xixin (Herba Asari), Bohe (Herba Menthae), etc., such as Cang'erzi San (Powder).
In addition, it can be also used for itching due to rubella, scabies, etc., and combined with Difuzi (Fructus Kochiae), Baixianpi ( Cortex Dictamni Radicis ), etc. which are decocted together for exterior use, washing.
Usage and Dodge 3 -10 g is used in decoction for oral use; or in pill or powder. It can be also used exteriorly with suitable amount.
Notes Contraindicated in the patient with headache due to blood-deficiency and not be taken excessively.
