Herb Herbs that invigorate the Blood

Liang Mian Zhen

Shiny-leaf prickly-ash | 两面针

Zanthoxylum nitidum

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Bitter, Pungent

Organ Affinity

Stomach, Liver

Parts Used

Dried leaves, roots and rhizomes

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Liang Mian Zhen

Traditional Actions

Promotes the flow of Qi to relieve pain.
Activates Blood to eliminate Blood stasis.
Dispels Wind and clears Meridians.
Dispels toxicity and reduces swelling.

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Liang Mian Zhen belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.

 

Furthermore Liang Mian Zhen is Neutral in nature. This means that Liang Mian Zhen typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Liang Mian Zhen means that you don't have to worry about that!

 

Liang Mian Zhen also tastes Bitter and Pungent. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Liang Mian Zhen tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Pungent ingredients tend to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Liang Mian Zhen is thought to target the Stomach and the Liver. In TCM the Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.

Common Applications

Traumatic swelling Stomach rumble Toothache Snake bites Burns Rheumatism

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Liang Mian Zhen

Alkaloids isolated from the roots of Zanthoxylum nitidum showed in vitro antiviral effect against hepatitis B virus and demonstrated marked antimitotic and antifungal activity.1

Sources:

1. Yang, G. and Chen, D. (2008), Alkaloids from the Roots of Zanthoxylum nitidum and Their Antiviral and Antifungal Effects. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 5: 1718-1722. doi:10.1002/cbdv.200890160

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Liang Mian Zhen

Traditional Preparation

Remove impurities, wash, soak in water, cut in thick slices and dry.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

5 - 10 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Liang Mian Zhen

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Liang Mian Zhen may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

Related Educational Resources

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