Cang Er Zi – Cocklebur Fruit – Fructus Xanthii

Cang Er Zi (Cocklebur Fruit) is a warm, slightly bitter, and toxic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for dispersing wind, opening the nasal passages, and alleviating pain. It comes from the dried fruit of Xanthium sibiricum and is especially valued for treating nasal congestion, sinus headaches, and runny nose caused by wind-cold or wind-damp invasion. Cang Er Zi is also used for skin disorders with itching and for certain types of rheumatic pain due to wind-damp obstruction. When processed properly, it can be safely applied in internal and external herbal formulas to relieve stubborn nasal and sinus issues.
Functions & Benefits
Disperses Wind and Opens the Nasal PassagesRelieves nasal congestion, sinus pressure, and runny nose from wind-cold.
Alleviates PainEases headache, especially in the forehead and sinus region.
Dispels Wind-DampnessUsed for skin itching and certain rheumatic pain patterns.
Expels Wind and Stops ItchingApplied externally for skin conditions with persistent itching.
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)✔ Individuals with chronic or acute nasal congestion.✔ People with sinus headaches and frontal pain.✔ Those with allergic rhinitis or hay fever symptoms.✔ Patients with wind-damp skin irritation or itching.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Thin white coating in wind-cold; thin yellow coating in wind-heat nasal issues.Pulse: Floating in exterior patterns; wiry or slippery in dampness patterns.
Related TCM PatternsWind-Cold Invading the Nose – Causes congestion, runny nose, and headache.Wind-Damp Skin Disorders – Leads to itching and rash.Wind-Damp Obstruction – Produces joint or muscle aches.
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)Allergic Rhinitis – Opens nasal passages and reduces sneezing.Acute or Chronic Sinusitis – Relieves congestion and sinus pressure.Frontal Headache – Eases pain linked to nasal blockage.Itchy Skin – Reduces irritation from wind-dampness.
Common Herbal Formulas with Cang Er ZiFrequently combined with Xin Yi Hua and Bai Zhi in Bi Yan Pian for nasal obstruction, or with Jing Jie and Fang Feng for allergic rhinitis.
Precautions & ContraindicationsToxic in large doses—must be processed before use.Avoid in cases of blood deficiency or severe Qi deficiency.Not suitable for heat-dominant nasal problems without wind-cold.Do not use during pregnancy without professional guidance.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations✔ Avoid exposure to cold wind to prevent nasal flare-ups.✔ Use saline nasal rinses for sinus hygiene.✔ Limit dairy and greasy foods that contribute to dampness.✔ Include warming, aromatic foods like ginger and scallion in the diet.
ConclusionCang Er Zi (Cocklebur Fruit) is a warm, slightly bitter herb in TCM that disperses wind, opens nasal passages, and relieves sinus pain. It is ideal for wind-cold nasal congestion, frontal headaches, and allergic rhinitis when used properly and safely.