Wiseman’s Chinese Medical Database

liǎng miàn zhēn / 两面针 / 兩面針 / shiny bramble

Latin pharmacognostic name: Zanthoxyli Radix

Alternate English names:

Alternate Chinese names: 蔓椒 màn jiāo; 两面针 liǎn miàn zhēn; 两面针 liǎng miàn zhēn

Origin: Plant

Use: medicinal

Category: Wind-damp–dispelling agents / Wind-cold-damp–dispelling agents

Properties: Acrid and bitter; balanced; slightly toxic.

Channel entry: liver and stomach channels.

Indications:

• Dispels wind and dampness: Wind-damp impediment (fēng shī bì) pain; numbness of the limbs.
• Quickens the blood and disperses stasis: stasis pain from external injuries.
• Moves qì and relieves pain: Pain in the stomach duct and abdomen; toothache.

  Dosage & Method:

  Oral: Decoct (5–10g); or use powdered or steeped in wine. Topical: Decoct as a wash, apply crushed, sprinkle on as a powder, or steep in wine.