Use of Liang Mian Zhen (shiny-leaf prickly-ash) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Remove impurities, wash, soak in water, cut in thick slices and dry.
Dosage: 5 - 10 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Promotes the flow of Qi to relieve pain. Activates Blood to eliminate Blood stasis. Dispels Wind and clears Meridians. Dispels toxicity and reduces swelling.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Liang Mian Zhen may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Traumatic swelling Stomach rumble Toothache Snake bites Burns Rheumatism
Contraindications*: This plant is mainly used externally. Care should be taken in its use as the plant is slightly toxic. The plant should not be consumed together with sour taste food.
Key TCM concepts behind Liang Mian Zhen's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Liang Mian Zhen belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.
Furthermore Liang Mian Zhen is Neutral in nature. This means that Liang Mian Zhen typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Liang Mian Zhen means that you don't have to worry about that!
Liang Mian Zhen also tastes Bitter and Pungent. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Liang Mian Zhen tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Pungent ingredients tend to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Liang Mian Zhen is thought to target the Stomach and the Liver. In TCM the Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
Research on Liang Mian Zhen
Alkaloids isolated from the roots of Zanthoxylum nitidum showed in vitro antiviral effect against hepatitis B virus and demonstrated marked antimitotic and antifungal activity.1
Sources:
1. Yang, G. and Chen, D. (2008), Alkaloids from the Roots of Zanthoxylum nitidum and Their Antiviral and Antifungal Effects. Chemistry & Biodiversity, 5: 1718-1722. doi:10.1002/cbdv.200890160