Cang Er Zi (Fructus Xanthii) is the mature involucral fruit of the annual herbaceous plant Xanthium sibiricum Patr. of family Compositae.

Category: Exterior Releasing.

Common Name: Xanthium Fruit; Cocklebur Fruit.

Channels Entered: Lung.

Properties and Functions: Cang Er Zi is bitter and sweet in flavour, and warm in nature. It is mildy toxic. Its functions are to eliminate Wind and expel Dampness, clear the nasal passages and alleviate pain.

Indications: Nasal or sinus disorders due to exterior Wind and Cold marked with thick, sticky sputum and sinus headaches. Pain due to Wind-Cold or Wind-Damp, Damp related skin conditions with itching, splitting headaches radiating to the posterior of the neck.

Dosage: 3 – 9g

Cautions and Contra-Indications: Contra-indicated for headaches due to Blood deficiency. Dosage should be carefully controlled as overdose can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain.