Zanthoxylum nitidum, Liang Mian Zhen 两面针

Shiny Prickly Ash
Liang Mian Zhen (TCM)
Picture Zanthoxylum schinifolium
Addisonia, vol. 10: (1925)

Picture Zanthoxylum nitidum
(Photo by 阿橋) (Wikimedia)

Picture Zanthoxylum nitidum Root
(Adam, 2024)

Botanical name:


Zanthoxylum nitidum
A number of related species are used including Z. simulans, Z. bungeanum, Z. molle, Z. dissitum, Z. schinifolium (Sichuan Pepper)

Parts used:


Root

Temperature & Taste:


Warm, dry. Pungent, Bitter. Mildly Toxic

Uses:


1. Clears Wind-Damp, Unblocks the Channel, Eases Pain:
-Wind-Damp painful obstruction of the muscles and joints
-pain in the Bones and Sinews
-also for other types of pain such as Sore Throat, Hernia, Abdominal pain, pain of burns and toothache

2. Externally:
-topically for toothache (decoction as a mouth wash). It is used in toothpaste for toothache and gum disorders
-for sore throat, decoction may be used as a gargle
-topically as a wash for the pain of burns


Dose:


Decoction: 4.5–9 grams
Powder: 1.5–3 grams

Comment:


It has been used in the treatment of drug addicts going through withdrawal. (Z. nitidum)

Main Combinations:


1. Painful Hernia, Zanthoxylum nitidum Liang Mian Zhen with Fennel seed (Xiao Hui Xiang)

Major Formulas:


Zheng Gu Shui

Cautions:


Some people may have abdominal pain and diarrhea after using this medicine.

Main Preparations used: