3Hua Jiao - Sichuan peper - Pericarpium Zanthoxyli

Hua Jiao (Sichuan Pepper) is a hot, acrid herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) valued for warming the middle burner, dispelling cold, and alleviating pain. It comes from the dried pericarp of Zanthoxylum bungeanum and related species, known for their distinctive numbing aroma and warming qualities. In TCM, Hua Jiao is used to treat abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea caused by cold in the Spleen and Stomach, as well as to kill parasites in the digestive tract. Its penetrating warmth restores Yang, disperses internal cold, and improves digestive function.

Functies en voordelen

Verwarmt de middelste brander en verspreidt kou
Relieves abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, and diarrhea caused by cold.

Alleviates Pain and Improves Digestion
Promotes Qi movement and warms the digestive organs for better function.

Kills Parasites and Relieves Itching
Used for roundworm, pinworm, and skin itching from parasitic causes.

Supports Yang and Circulation
Warms the channels and promotes blood flow in cold-type conditions.

Indicaties (wie kan er baat bij hebben?)
✔ Individuals with cold-induced abdominal pain, bloating, or poor appetite.
✔ People with chronic diarrhea or vomiting from cold in the middle burner.
✔ Those with intestinal parasites or skin itching from parasites.
✔ Patients with Yang deficiency cold symptoms affecting digestion and circulation.

Diagnose van tong en pols in TCM
Tongue: Pale with a white, moist coating, indicating cold in the middle burner.
Pulse: Slow and deep, reflecting internal cold and Yang deficiency.

Verwante TCM-patronen
Cold in the Spleen and Stomach – Causes digestive discomfort, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Yang Deficiency with Cold Accumulation – Leads to cold limbs, fatigue, and poor circulation.
Parasite Infestation – Produces abdominal pain, nausea, and itching.

Klinische toepassingen (alleen ter referentie)
Cold-Induced Digestive Pain – Warms and relieves abdominal discomfort.
Chronic Diarrhea from Cold – Strengthens Yang and restores digestive balance.
Parasite-Related Symptoms – Kills intestinal worms and relieves itching.
Cold-Type Menstrual Pain – Warms channels and improves blood circulation.

Common Herbal Formulas with Hua Jiao
Often combined with Gan Jiang and Ren Shen in formulas to warm the middle burner, or with Ku Lian Gen Pi for intestinal parasites.

Voorzorgsmaatregelen en contra-indicaties
Avoid in cases of heat or Yin deficiency.
Not suitable for individuals with dry mouth, sore throat, or internal heat.
Excessive use may cause irritation to the digestive tract.

Aanbevelingen voor levensstijl en dieet
✔ Eat warming foods such as ginger, lamb, and cinnamon to support Yang.
✔ Avoid raw, cold, and damp-producing foods that weaken digestion.
✔ Dress warmly in cold climates to prevent cold from entering the body.
✔ Practice gentle abdominal massage to promote warmth and Qi movement.

Conclusie
Hua Jiao (Sichuan Pepper) is a hot, acrid herb in TCM that warms the middle burner, disperses cold, kills parasites, and improves digestion. It is especially useful for cold-induced abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, and intestinal parasites.