Chuān Liàn Zǐ (川楝子) — Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Chuān Liàn Zǐ (川楝子) — Melia toosendan fruit — is unusual among Qi-regulating herbs in being cold rather than warm. This makes it the preferred choice when Liver Qi stagnation has begun to generate Heat, producing burning epigastric or hypochondriac pain, irritability and a bitter taste. It is best known as the principal herb of Jin Ling Zi San, paired with Yan Hu Suo as a powerful two-herb analgesic for Liver-Heat pain. It also has historical use as an antiparasitic.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Chuān Liàn Zǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 川楝子 |
| Latin name | Fructus Toosendan / Melia toosendan |
| English name | Sichuan chinaberry, Pagoda tree fruit |
| Nature | Cold (mildly toxic) |
| Flavour | Bitter |
| Channels entered | Liver, Stomach, Small Intestine, Bladder |
| Category | Herbs that regulate Qi |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Soothes the Liver and regulates Qi
- Drains Liver Heat
- Stops pain
- Expels parasites (traditional use)
Indications
- Liver Qi stagnation transforming into Heat with burning epigastric, hypochondriac or lower-abdominal pain
- Pain aggravated by emotional upset or hot food/drink
- Stress-related acid reflux with bitter taste
- Painful inguinal hernia from Liver-channel constraint
- Cholecystitis and biliary colic with Liver-Heat features
- Dysmenorrhoea with Liver-Heat pattern
- Roundworm infestation (traditional use; rarely used for this purpose today)
4. Key formulas containing Chuān Liàn Zǐ
- Jin Ling Zi San — Liver Qi stagnation with Heat and epigastric/hypochondriac pain
- Yi Guan Jian — Liver Yin deficiency with Liver Qi stagnation
5. Incompatibilities
Chuān Liàn Zǐ (川楝子) Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.
6. Cautions
Chuan Lian Zi is mildly toxic; doses above 9 g and prolonged use must be avoided. Contraindicated in pregnancy and in Spleen-Stomach Yang deficiency with cold-pattern pain. Hepatotoxicity has been reported with overdose. Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM who can manage dosing safely.
Pattern contraindications
Use cautiously in Yin and Blood deficiency — Qi-moving herbs are aromatic and drying and can deplete fluids. Avoid in pregnancy for the strongly descending Qi-movers (Zhi Shi, Qing Pi).
Modern drug interactions
Chai Hu modulates CYP enzymes. Other regulating-Qi herbs are usually well tolerated. Tell your GP about your herbal prescription if you take regular medication.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I see patients at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online consultations are available. Return to the Chinese herb directory.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
