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Photo of Arisaema Rhizome

Arisaema Rhizome

天南星 · Tiān Nán Xīng

Practitioner herb for stroke recovery

Properties

WarmingWarming botanicalBitter, Pungent

Concerns

Inflammation

What it does

Arisaema rhizome targets stroke-related symptoms like deviated mouth, hemiplegia, dead-limb numbness, and seizures. In TCM, it removes damp-phlegm and dispels wind, the patterns behind sudden stroke and stubborn neurological symptoms. It also breaks up tissue masses topically. Toxic in raw form, so always processed before use.

How to take it

Capsule

Used only as the processed form (Zhi Tian Nan Xing) at 3–9g in practitioner-prescribed formulas, decocted with other herbs. Never use raw.

See a practitioner. Identification and processing matter for safety

Safety

  • Toxic raw. Severe mouth and throat irritation, swelling, and pain
  • Always use processed (boiled with ginger) material
  • Strictly avoid during pregnancy
  • Stop if you develop tongue numbness or throat tightness
  • Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication

Where it comes from

Arisaema (jack-in-the-pulpit) is the source of one of TCM's most-respected stroke and convulsion herbs. The fresh raw rhizome contains needle-like calcium oxalate crystals that cause severe mouth pain on contact. Long boiling with ginger and sometimes alum neutralizes them. The processed form, called Zhi Tian Nan Xing, is used in classical stroke-recovery formulas alongside scorpion and centipede.