Xanthium | Xanthium strumarium (Cang Er Zi)
A key herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xanthium clears nasal congestion, relieves sinus pressure, and eases allergic rhinitis. It reduces sneezing, watery discharge, and sinus headaches, and is often paired with Magnolia flower in sinus formulas.
Benefits & Uses
Sinus relief: Clears nasal congestion and opens blocked sinuses.
Allergy support: Eases hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and chronic sinus inflammation.
Headache relief: Reduces headaches caused by sinus pressure and congestion.
Cold & flu recovery: Traditionally used to ease nasal symptoms during respiratory infections.
Formulas: Often paired with Magnolia flower (Xin Yi Hua) in TCM sinus blends.
Form & Dosage
Decoction: 3–9 g dried fruit, commonly combined with other herbs in TCM.
Capsules / Powder: Standardized extracts in modern sinus support formulas.
Topical (rare): Occasionally used for skin conditions in TCM under supervision.
Parts Used
Fruit (ripe bur/seed).
Precautions
Toxicity risk: Raw seeds are toxic; only properly prepared forms should be used.
Side effects: May cause nausea or dizziness in sensitive individuals.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Avoid use.
Professional supervision: Best taken under the guidance of a qualified practitioner, especially in concentrated formulas.
For more detailed information about the different ways to take herbs, consider taking a course at the HomeGrown Herbalist Online School of Botanical Medicine.
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