Pinyin: Tian Nan Xing  Chinese: 天南星
Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Arisaematis
Taxonomy: Arisaema consanguineum
English: Jack-in-the-Pulpit Rhizome

Tastes: Bitter, pungent, warm, toxic
Meridians Entered: Lung, Liver and Spleen

Actions & Indications:

1. Dries Dampness and expels Phlegm
   Stubborn (extremely sticky) Phlegm in the Lungs with cough and a distended sensation in the chest
2. Disperses Wind-Phlegm in the channels and stops spasms
   Wind-Phlegm Obstructing the Channels with dizziness, vertigo, numbness in the limbs, facial paralysis, spasms in the hands and feet, opisthotonis, stroke, seizures or lockjaw
3. Reduces swelling and alleviates pain
   Topically for Chuang Yung (deep rooted sores, ulcers and carbuncles. Swelling due to traumatic injury and joint pain secondary to Phlegm Topically for cervical cancer

Standard Dosage: 3-10g in decoction.
Cautions: Prohibited for yin deficiency with dry phlegm and the pregnant women.

Pinyin: Cu  Chinese: 醋
Pharmaceutical: Acetum
English: Vinegar / 苦酒 Ku Jiu (Bitter Wine) / 淳酢 Chun Cu (Pure Vinegar) / 醯 Xi (Acyl)

Tastes: Sweet, sour, bitter, warm
Meridians Entered: Liver and Stomach

Actions & Indications:

1. Invigorates Blood, dispels Blood Stasis and stops pain
   Abdominal pain, due to Blood Stasis or Qi Stagnation (especially with Mu Xiang)
   Assists other herbs to break up masses and tumors in the abdomen (e.g. Da Huang, and also reduces its purgative effects)
   Applied externally with powdered Da Huang and mixed into a paste for early stage boils, first-degree and second-degree burns, or on its own for bruises and contusions due to external trauma
   As a mouthwash to relieve the pain of toothache.
2. Courses the Liver, regulates Qi, and moves Stagnation
   Enhances the Qi-regulating and pain-reducing properties of other herbs (e.g. Xiang Fu, Qing Pi or Xiao Hui Xiang)
   With cooling herbs can treat headaches due to Liver Fire or ascending Liver Yang
3. Relieves Toxicity
   Sore throat (egg white cooked in vinegar)
   As an external wash to prevent insect bites, or as a treatment after an insect bite has occurred
   Clear epidemic toxins from the air and prevent colds and flu
   Used in cooking to remove any toxicity that might be present in meat and fish and to prevent food stagnation
   Diluted in water to relieve the symptoms of hangovers.
4. Expels roundworms
   Especially if lodged in the Gall Bladder

Standard Dosage: 10-30ml in decoction. Usually combined with other herbs by washing them to bring out their Qi and Blood moving aspects, or added to a decoction to enhance these aspects in the entire formula.
Cautions: Overuse can damage the spleen and stomach.