Gleditsia Spina, Zao Jiao Ci 皂角刺

Chinese Honeylocust Thorn
Zao Jiao Ci (TCM)

Jaume Saint-Hilaire, J.H., Traité des arbres forestiers, (1824)

Gleditsia sinensis
(Photo by Rupp.de~commonswiki) (Wikimedia)

Botanical name:

Gleditsia sinensis

Parts used:

Spine or Thorn

Temperature & Taste:

Warm, dry. Pungent

Uses:

1. Clears Toxin, Discharges Pus:
-early stages of Sores to bring them to a head and to help them burst if already formed
-topically, boil in vinegar until soft and apply

2. Kills Parasites:
-Tinea
-Leprosy

Dose

Decoction: 3–9 grams
For topical use it is steamed with vinegar and made into a paste, or the juice can be applied.

Main Combinations:

1. Early stages of Abscesses and Boils, Gleditsia Zao Jiao Ci with Lonicera Jin Yin Hua
2. Promote discharge of pus in an Abscess, Gleditsia Zao Jiao Ci with Angelica dahurica Bai Zhi
3. Itchy, weeping Skin rashes, Gleditsia Zao Jiao Ci with Sophora Ku Shen with Schizonepeta Jing Jie (as in Shen Jiao Wan from Ji Feng Pu Ji Fang [Universal-Relief Prescriptions from Jifeng]).

Cautions:

1. Avoid during pregnancy.
2. Not used for open sores.