Dan Nan Xing is a processed form of Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing) prepared with bovine bile, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to clear phlegm, extinguish internal wind, and relieve convulsions and tremors. It is especially valued for treating phlegm-heat obstructing the Lungs or sensory orifices, and for neurological disorders such as seizures, stroke aftermath, or Parkinson-like symptoms.
Compared to raw Arisaema, Dan Nan Xing is less toxic and has a cooler nature, making it safer for internal use in treating wind-phlegm conditions with heat.
Functies en voordelen
Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm• Used in phlegm-heat coughs with thick yellow sputum• Helpful in lung infections, bronchitis, or phlegmy asthma• Clears fire-phlegm obstructing the Heart and orifices (e.g. stroke, delirium)
Extinguishes Internal Wind and Stops Tremors• Treats wind-phlegm conditions such as seizures, epilepsy, or spasms• Beneficial in stroke rehabilitation with paralysis, tremor, or slurred speech• Used in formulas for children with convulsions due to high fever or phlegm
Disperses Nodules and Swellings• Applied to treat phlegm-related lumps or nodules• Can be used in formulas for scrofula, lipomas, or chronic swellings
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)✔ Individuals with phlegm-heat cough or bronchial congestion✔ Stroke patients with speech problems, tremors, or paralysis✔ People with neurological symptoms related to internal wind or phlegm✔ Children with convulsions due to fever or phlegm✔ Patients with phlegm-related nodules or masses
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Red with yellow greasy coating (phlegm-heat)Pulse: Rapid and slippery or wiry (indicates heat and phlegm, or internal wind)
Related TCM PatternsPhlegm-Heat Obstructing the Lungs – Cough, wheezing, thick sputumWind-Phlegm Blocking the Meridians – Dizziness, stroke, hemiplegia, tremorsInternal Wind Stirring – Seizures, epilepsy, febrile convulsionsPhlegm-Fire Misting the Heart – Clouded consciousness, delirium
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)Post-Stroke Rehabilitation – Relieves spasticity, tremor, and speech difficultyEpilepsy or Febrile Seizures – Clears phlegm and wind in convulsive conditionsPhlegm-Heat Cough – Treats bronchitis, asthma, or infection with yellow sputumNeurological Tremors – Used in Parkinsonian syndromes or limb spasmsDelirium or Loss of Consciousness – In severe phlegm-heat misting the Heart
Common Herbal Formulas with Dan Nan Xing• Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang – Calms Liver Wind and clears heat• Di Tan Tang – Clears phlegm and opens the orifices in stroke recovery• Er Chen Tang (modified) – For phlegm-damp or phlegm-heat cough• Xian Fang Huo Ming Yin (with nodules and swellings)
Precautions & ContraindicationsDo not use in cases of dry cough with Yin deficiencyContraindicated in pregnancy due to strong downward and dispersing actionAvoid in patients without phlegm or heat signsNot suitable for long-term use without professional guidanceAlways use in prepared (bile-processed) form to avoid toxicity
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations✔ Avoid greasy, dairy-based, and cold foods that worsen phlegm✔ Eat light, warm meals with herbs like ginger, garlic, and leeks✔ Engage in gentle movement therapies (e.g. Tai Chi) for stroke recovery✔ Maintain good sleep hygiene to reduce internal wind and tension
ConclusionDan Nan Xing (Arisaema with Bile) is a specialized TCM herb used to clear phlegm-heat and control internal wind. It is most commonly used in cases of phlegm-induced cough, stroke aftereffects, seizures, and neurological disorders with tremors or paralysis. Its unique preparation with bile moderates its toxicity and enhances its effectiveness for treating heat-related phlegm and internal movement disorders.