Roots and rhizomesPhlegm-resolvingArisaema cum Bile

Dan Nan Xing (Bile Arisaema)

Q: What is Dan Nan Xing? Are raw Tian Nan Xing and prepared Tian Nan Xing the same?

Official Dan Nan Xing (胆南星) is fine powder of prepared arisaema processed with ox, sheep or pig bile, or raw arisaema powder fermented with bile . The pharmacopoeial name is Arisaema cum Bile . The source is the tuber of Arisaema erubescens, Arisaema heterophyllum, or Arisaema amurense . Raw Tian Nan Xing is bitter-acrid, warm and toxic: dries dampness, transforms phlegm, dispels wind and stops spasm, and must be processed. Prepared arisaema is less toxic but still warm and drying. Bile processing turns it cool. Write Dan Nan Xing. Unsuitable for cold phlegm.

Q: What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Dan Nan Xing?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Dan Nan Xing is bitter, slightly acrid and cool , enters the Lung, Liver and Spleen channels, and acts to clear heat, transform phlegm, extinguish wind and settle fright . It is used for phlegm-heat cough with thick yellow phlegm, wind-stroke with phlegm confounding the orifices, and mania, fright and epilepsy. Bitter, slightly acrid and cool, it suits phlegm-heat with wind and fright—not cold phlegm or Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold.

Q: What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a phlegm tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 3–6 g . It is not a four-season “bile-arisaema phlegm tea.” Cold phlegm only stagnates further as it cools. Fright and epilepsy need a practitioner to name a short course; it does not replace emergency care.

Q: How do you choose and store Dan Nan Xing?

Choose cubic or cylindrical pieces, brown-yellow to brown-black, hard, a faintly fishy odor and a bitter taste . Moldy, moth-eaten, white-bloomed or dirty lots are discarded. Store ventilated and dry against moths. Buy pharmacopoeial Dan Nan Xing; do not replace clearing heat, transforming phlegm, extinguishing wind and settling fright with raw or prepared arisaema by equal weight.

A practical guide to Dan Nan Xing: what it is, how Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it, the classical formulas it appears in, and who should be careful with it.

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Last reviewed Oct 13, 2026

Quick Facts

Latin Name	Arisaema cum Bile
Chinese Name & Pinyin	膽南星 · Dan Nan Xing
Medicinal Part	Roots and rhizomes
The herb	Dan Nan Xing is arisaema powder processed with bile. Prepared Tian Nan Xing and raw Tian Nan Xing are different specifications. Do not process it yourself.
Nature and channels	Bitter, slightly acrid, cool. Enters the Lung, Liver, and Spleen. Bitter coolness clears heat, transforms phlegm, extinguishes wind, and settles fright.
Pharmacopoeia line	Clears heat and transforms phlegm. Extinguishes wind and settles fright. Used for phlegm-heat cough, sticky yellow sputum, wind-stroke with phlegm clouding, and mania and fright-epilepsy.
Pattern cues	Sticky yellow sputum. Wind-stroke with phlegm clouding. Fright-epilepsy. Convulsions. Red tongue with yellow coating.
In this article	Dan Nan Xing versus prepared Tian Nan Xing, Ban Xia, and Zhu Ru. Cool transformation of phlegm-heat versus warm drying of cold phlegm. Why home processing is not acceptable. Why convulsions need a clinic. Who should skip it.

What Is Dan Nan Xing?

Dan Nan Xing (胆南星; Dǎn Nán Xīng; Latin: Arisaema cum Bile; English: bile arisaema) is the fine powder of prepared arisaema processed with ox, sheep, or pig bile, or raw arisaema powder fermented with bile. In Chinese medicine it is a heat-clearing, phlegm-transforming herb. It is bitter, slightly acrid, and cool, enters the Lung, Liver, and Spleen channels, and its core actions are to clear heat and transform phlegm, and to extinguish wind and settle fright. Raw Tian Nan Xing is acrid-warm and toxic. It dries dampness, transforms phlegm, dispels wind, and stops spasm. After bile processing it turns bitter-cool, and is specific for phlegm-heat and fright-epilepsy. Do not process it with bile at home. It is not Ban Xia. Pinellia is acrid-warm. It dries dampness, transforms phlegm, and directs rebellion down to stop vomiting. Wind-stroke with phlegm clouding, and fright-epilepsy with convulsions, need a clinic first. Use caution in pregnancy. A cold weak spleen, and no phlegm-heat, are a poor match.

It is used most often for three patterns:

Phlegm-heat cough — sticky yellow sputum
Wind-stroke with phlegm clouding, mania and fright-epilepsy — emergencies; seek care
Childhood fright-wind — this belongs with a practitioner

The usual decoction dose is 3–6 g. Bitter, slightly acrid, and cool, it is not a daily “phlegm bile-arisaema.” Cold phlegm with no heat, and loose stools, get worse if more cooling is added.

When phlegm-heat blocks the orifices, or extreme heat stirs wind, yellow sputum, convulsions, and a clouded spirit are common. Dan Nan Xing is bitter-cool. It clears, transforms phlegm, and settles fright, which is why it appears in phlegm-heat fright-epilepsy formulas. It cools and drains more than it warms. A sallow face, fear of cold, and thin white sputum get more stagnant if more is added.

Dan Nan Xing is not a catch-all phlegm or fright herb. In cold phlegm or middle-cold diarrhea, using it alone can cool and injure the middle. Whether it belongs in a formula should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis, using a qualified processed piece.

Dan Nan Xing: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Arisaema cum Bile

Botanical Origin

The processed preparation of Arisaema rhizome with bovine bile (Arisaema cum Bile).

Production Regions

Processed in workshops throughout China from Tian Nan Xing of Henan, Sichuan and Yunnan origin.

Quality Requirements

Superior material is thoroughly processed, brownish, and without a raw numbing taste.

Macroscopic Features

Square or rectangular pieces, yellowish-brown to brownish-black; slightly fishy-bitter; less acrid than raw Arisaema.

Origins and Quality Identification

High-quality raw Tian Nan Xing traditionally comes from provinces like Zhejiang and Sichuan. However, processing makes all the difference:

Raw vs. Processed: Raw Tian Nan Xing is pale yellow, hard, and spherical. Once processed into Dan Nan Xing, it transforms into brownish-black, soft, square or cylindrical blocks.
Premium Quality: Good Dan Nan Xing has a uniform dark color inside, a mild bile fragrance, and no pungent or numbing taste.
Common Fakes: Poor quality or improperly processed herbs will lack the fresh bile scent, have uneven coloring, or retain the raw herb's irritating, numbing taste.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Bitter, Slightly acrid; CoolLungLiverSpleen

1. Historical Records

Classic TCM texts have documented this unique processing method for centuries:

Ben Cao Gang Mu notes that when combined with cow bile, the herb becomes effective at "treating wind" (neurological or spasmodic issues).
De Pei Ben Cao states that Dan Nan Xing can "clear phlegm, relieve heat, calm fright, and remove irritability."
Zhong Hua Ben Cao also records its traditional processing and long history of clinical use for heat-phlegm conditions.

2. Evolution of Herbal Understanding

Over time, TCM doctors have refined its use:

Heat and Phlegm: Many practitioners focus on its ability to clear hot, yellow, sticky phlegm from the lungs and calm the irritability that comes with it.
Calming Wind: Others highlight its use for "internal wind," such as calming childhood convulsions or muscle spasms caused by high fever.
When to Avoid: Because of its cool nature, experts warn that it should not be used by people with a weak, cold digestive system (e.g., those who suffer from chronic diarrhea or a cold stomach).

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Clears heat, transforms phlegm, extinguishes wind, and settles fright. Apply to phlegm-heat cough, stroke with phlegm, and infantile convulsions.

1. Primary Indication: Clearing Heat-Phlegm

The traditional use of Dan Nan Xing (Arisaema cum Bile) is to clear and transform heat-phlegm in the lungs, spleen, and stomach. It helps break down thick, sticky phlegm caused by internal heat accumulation.

Common Symptoms: Yellow and sticky phlegm that is hard to cough up, dry mouth, bitter taste, dry stools, or restlessness and poor sleep due to phlegm-heat disturbing the mind.
Herb Pairings: It is often combined with Huang Qin (Scutellaria Baicalensis) to enhance the heat-clearing effect, or with Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) to regulate the spleen and stomach and help expel phlegm.
Caution: People with a cold and deficient spleen/stomach, frequent chills, or loose stools should avoid using it on their own to prevent worsening their internal coldness.

2. Secondary Indication: Extinguishing Wind and Arresting Tremors

Another core function is calming liver wind triggered by phlegm-heat, which helps relieve spasms and irritability.

Common Symptoms: In children, it is used for sudden convulsions, staring eyes, and restless crying caused by phlegm-heat. In adults, it addresses headaches, dizziness, mild limb spasms, or irritability.
Herb Pairings: It is usually combined with wind-extinguishing herbs like Gou Teng (Uncaria) or heat-clearing herbs like Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum).
Caution: Pregnant women and individuals with Qi and blood deficiency or frequent dizziness and fatigue should not use it without professional guidance.

3. Common Herb Pairs

A classic pairing in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is Dan Nan Xing and Zhi Shi.

Dan Nan Xing focuses on clearing heat-phlegm and stopping tremors.
Zhi Shi helps regulate Qi, relieve bloating, and balance the spleen and stomach.
Synergy: Together, they enhance phlegm removal (since regulating Qi helps move phlegm) and relieve digestive discomfort caused by phlegm-heat. Note: This pairing requires a TCM practitioner to adjust the dosage based on your specific condition.

Modern Research

Modern research offers useful context, but Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribes on whole-pattern diagnosis rather than isolated compounds.

1. Primary Chemical Components

Modern analysis shows that the raw herb contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and sterols. In lab and animal studies, these components, combined with the bile processing, show potential in soothing irritability and reducing heat-phlegm symptoms, though human clinical trials are still limited.

2. Pharmacological Research Focus

Western pharmacological research primarily focuses on its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to regulate nerve excitability. Animal models suggest it may help calm the nervous system, but more human research is needed to fully understand how this translates to clinical practice.

3. Limitations of Modern Research

While modern science offers insights, it has limits when evaluating TCM:

Lab vs. Real Life: Results from test tubes and animal models cannot simply be applied to the complex human body.
Extracts vs. Whole Herbs: Lab studies often use isolated, highly concentrated compounds. This is completely different from drinking a traditionally brewed tea containing whole Dan Nan Xing slices.
Synergy: The herb works as a whole system. Isolating a single chemical cannot fully explain or replicate the traditional effects of the complete herb.

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. Common Ground

Both Dan Nan Xing and Tian Zhu Huang (Tabasheer) share the ability to clear heat-phlegm. They are both used to relieve irritability and thick phlegm. Both require careful attention to dosage and the user's body constitution.

2. Core Differences

Properties: Dan Nan Xing is cool, bitter, and astringent (targeting the Lung, Liver, and Spleen). Tian Zhu Huang is cold and sweet (targeting the Heart and Liver).
Focus: Dan Nan Xing excels at clearing lung/spleen phlegm and stopping spasms (great for adult headaches/spasms). Tian Zhu Huang excels at clearing heart phlegm and calming the mind (ideal for pediatric night crying and restlessness).
Action Mechanism: Dan Nan Xing uses a "draining" action to clear heat, while Tian Zhu Huang uses a "nourishing/moistening" action to stabilize the mind.
Contraindications: Dan Nan Xing is bad for those with a cold spleen/stomach and diarrhea. Tian Zhu Huang is bad for those with a cold spleen/stomach and poor appetite.

3. Summary of Differences

In short: Dan Nan Xing clears lung/spleen heat-phlegm to stop spasms, while Tian Zhu Huang moistens heart heat-phlegm to calm the mind. Although both treat irritability, they cannot be easily swapped.

Classical Formulas Containing Dan Nan Xing

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang

清氣化痰湯

Formula CategoryPhlegm-Resolving FormulasPrimary PatternPhlegm-HeatPrimary FunctionClear heat, resolve phlegm, regulate QiRelated ConditionsChest Tightness·Excessive Mucus

View Formula Profile Read Complete Guide

Formulas vs. Single Herbs

Synergy is Key: A formula is a balanced team. The healing power comes from how the herbs interact, so a single herb cannot simply replicate a full formula's effects.
Holistic Balance: The exact dosage and combination in a formula affect the entire body. Never try to mix or alter these formulas at home based on internet articles.

Diet & Daily Home Use

1. Home Teas

A common mild remedy is Dan Xing Chen Pi Cha (Dan Nan Xing and Tangerine Peel Tea).

Ingredients: 3g Dan Nan Xing, 5g Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), and water.
Directions: Wash the herbs, place them in a clay pot with 500ml of water. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low heat for 15 minutes.
Best For: Mild heat-phlegm caused by greasy food or stress (e.g., sticky yellow phlegm, dry mouth, mild irritability).
Frequency: 1-2 times a week. Do not drink continuously.
Caution: Not for pregnant women or those with a cold spleen/stomach. Always strictly control the dose.

2. Preparation and Decoction

Raw Tian Nan Xing (Raw Arisaema) is highly toxic and should never be used directly. Dan Nan Xing is the safe, processed version (treated with ox bile), which lowers toxicity and changes its properties.

When cooking at home, you can boil it normally with other ingredients (no special boiling steps needed).
Do not try to convert raw herb dosages to patent medicine dosages yourself. Always follow a doctor's advice.

3. Dosage and Cycle

Clinical Dose: Typically 3-6g.
Dietary Dose: Keep it strictly under 3g.
Duration: Do not use for more than 7 consecutive days. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.
Special Groups: Children and the elderly need significantly reduced doses. Always ask a pro first.

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. Who Should Avoid It

People with a cold spleen/stomach, frequent chills, or loose stools.
Pregnant and nursing women (use only under strict medical supervision).
Children and the elderly (due to lower physical tolerance).
Anyone with liver or kidney issues (to avoid extra organ burden).
Those allergic to Tian Nan Xing or ox bile.
Patients currently taking blood thinners, blood pressure meds, blood sugar meds, or sedatives.

2. Drug Interactions

Dan Nan Xing can interact with Western medications (like sedatives or blood pressure drugs), affecting how they are absorbed.

Rule of Thumb: Always leave a 1-2 hour gap between taking this herb and any Western medication. Consult your pharmacist or doctor before mixing them.

3. Adverse Reactions

Mild Effects: You might experience minor gastrointestinal upset, like nausea or bloating.
Overdose Risks: Taking too much or using improperly processed herbs can cause dizziness and palpitations.
Emergency Action: If you experience severe allergic reactions, continuous vomiting, breathing difficulties, or sudden worsening of symptoms, stop use immediately and seek emergency medical help. Do not try to treat severe reactions at home.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dan Nan Xing

What is Dan Nan Xing? Are raw Tian Nan Xing and prepared Tian Nan Xing the same?

Official Dan Nan Xing (胆南星) is fine powder of prepared arisaema processed with ox, sheep or pig bile, or raw arisaema powder fermented with bile. The pharmacopoeial name is Arisaema cum Bile. The source is the tuber of Arisaema erubescens, Arisaema heterophyllum, or Arisaema amurense. Raw Tian Nan Xing is bitter-acrid, warm and toxic: dries dampness, transforms phlegm, dispels wind and stops spasm, and must be processed. Prepared arisaema is less toxic but still warm and drying. Bile processing turns it cool. Write Dan Nan Xing. Unsuitable for cold phlegm.

What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Dan Nan Xing?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Dan Nan Xing is bitter, slightly acrid and cool, enters the Lung, Liver and Spleen channels, and acts to clear heat, transform phlegm, extinguish wind and settle fright. It is used for phlegm-heat cough with thick yellow phlegm, wind-stroke with phlegm confounding the orifices, and mania, fright and epilepsy. Bitter, slightly acrid and cool, it suits phlegm-heat with wind and fright—not cold phlegm or Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold.

How do you choose bile arisaema versus raw arisaema? Can prepared arisaema replace it?

The raw tuber is toxic and is not taken internally. Prepared arisaema remains warm and drying, for cold phlegm and damp phlegm. Bile processing turns it cool, specifically to clear phlegm-heat, extinguish wind and settle fright. It cannot be replaced by equal weight. Commercial bile-arisaema pills are not equal-weight pieces.

What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a phlegm tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 3–6 g. It is not a four-season “bile-arisaema phlegm tea.” Cold phlegm only stagnates further as it cools. Fright and epilepsy need a practitioner to name a short course; it does not replace emergency care.

What are the contraindications? Can it be used in pregnancy?

Unsuitable in cold phlegm and Spleen-Stomach vacuity cold. The raw tuber is toxic and must not be taken on one’s own. Pregnancy needs a practitioner’s assessment. Stop if numbness of the mouth and tongue or vomiting appears. Convulsions and impaired consciousness are an emergency.

Can Dan Nan Xing clear heat, transform phlegm, extinguish wind and settle fright?

It can help phlegm-heat cough and phlegm-heat fright epilepsy. It joins pinellia, tangerine peel, poria, unripe bitter orange and bamboo shavings in a modified Di Tan Tang; epilepsy is seen in Ding Xian Wan. It clears heat, transforms phlegm, extinguishes wind and settles fright—not a specific for every cough or every convulsion.

Can Dan Nan Xing be drunk daily as a phlegm, fright or wind tea?

Phlegm-heat may enter a short formula; cold phlegm only stagnates further as it cools. “Bile arisaema must settle fright” does not replace emergency care. Clearing heat, transforming phlegm, extinguishing wind and settling fright should name 3–6 g, and say bile arisaema rather than raw arisaema.

How do you choose among Dan Nan Xing, Tian Nan Xing, Ban Xia, Zhu Ru and Tian Ma?

Bile arisaema is bitter, slightly acrid and cool: clears heat, transforms phlegm, extinguishes wind and settles fright—phlegm-heat cough and fright epilepsy. Arisaema is bitter-acrid, warm and toxic: dries dampness, transforms phlegm, dispels wind and stops spasm—cold phlegm and damp phlegm, and it must be processed. Pinellia is acrid-warm and toxic: dries dampness, transforms phlegm and directs counterflow downward—cold-fluid phlegm, and it must be processed. Bamboo shavings are sweet and slightly cold: clear heat, transform phlegm, eliminate vexation and stop vomiting—Stomach-heat vomiting. Gastrodia is sweet and neutral: extinguishes wind, stops spasm, calms Liver yang and dispels wind from the collaterals—Liver-wind dizziness. Phlegm-heat fright epilepsy favors Dan Nan Xing (Ding Xian Wan); cold phlegm favors prepared arisaema; vomiting favors Ban Xia; vexed vomiting favors Zhu Ru; Liver wind favors Tian Ma. They may be paired after pattern differentiation; cold phlegm forbids large Dan Nan Xing, and do not use raw arisaema.

Which herbs is Dan Nan Xing combined with? What are the representative formulas?

Phlegm-heat joins pinellia, bamboo shavings and unripe bitter orange in a modified Di Tan Tang. Fright epilepsy joins gastrodia, scorpion and stiff silkworm in Ding Xian Wan. Write Dan Nan Xing 3–6 g; do not replace it with raw arisaema.

How do you choose and store Dan Nan Xing?

Choose cubic or cylindrical pieces, brown-yellow to brown-black, hard, a faintly fishy odor and a bitter taste. Moldy, moth-eaten, white-bloomed or dirty lots are discarded. Store ventilated and dry against moths. Buy pharmacopoeial Dan Nan Xing; do not replace clearing heat, transforming phlegm, extinguishing wind and settling fright with raw or prepared arisaema by equal weight.

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Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.