Dǎn Nán Xīng (胆南星) — Bile-Processed Arisaema
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1. Overview
Dǎn Nán Xīng (胆南星) is processed Arisaema rhizome (Arisaema erubescens) that has been fermented with ox or pig bile. The bile-processing dramatically reduces the toxicity and irritancy of raw Tian Nan Xing while transforming the herb's energetic action from warm to cool, making it specifically suited to hot-phlegm patterns rather than cold-phlegm. It is the principal Chinese herb for transforming Phlegm-Heat that has obstructed the orifices of the Heart — the classical TCM presentation in stroke, seizures, childhood convulsions and acute psychosis. Modern use is largely confined to formulas where the bile-processed form is required.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Dǎn Nán Xīng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 胆南星 |
| Latin name | Arisaema cum Bile / Bile-processed Arisaema erubescens |
| English name | Bile-Arisaema, gall-Arisaema |
| Nature | Cool |
| Flavour | Bitter, slightly pungent |
| Channels entered | Lung, Liver, Spleen |
| Category | Transform hot Phlegm and resolve Wind-Phlegm |
| Dosage | 3–6 g, decocted (lower than raw Tian Nan Xing) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and transforms Phlegm — for cough with thick, sticky yellow phlegm of Lung Heat origin.
- Extinguishes Wind and resolves Phlegm obstructing the orifices — for stroke with hemiplegia, slurred speech and rolling phlegm; for epilepsy with the classical "Phlegm-Fire" presentation; for childhood convulsions with high fever.
- Calms the Shen in Phlegm-Heat patterns — used in formulas for acute psychiatric agitation and disorientation classified as Phlegm-Fire misting the Heart.
4. Key formulas
- Di Tan Tang (Scour Phlegm Decoction) — the principal formula for stroke with rolling Phlegm and rigid limbs, of which Dan Nan Xing is a defining ingredient.
- Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan — for Phlegm-Heat cough.
- Formulas for epilepsy with Phlegm-Fire patterns, used by specialist Chinese herbalists.
5. Cautions
Although bile-processing markedly reduces the toxicity of raw Tian Nan Xing, Dan Nan Xing is still a strong herb and is reserved for specific clinical situations. Contraindicated in pregnancy and in Yin deficiency with dry cough. Should be prescribed only by a qualified RCHM-registered Chinese herbalist.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Dan Nan Xing only when classical Phlegm-Heat-Wind patterns specifically call for it, as part of an individualised pharmaceutical-grade granule prescription. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
