Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Xanthii Fructus (stir-fried) |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 炒蒼耳子 · Chao Cang Er Zi |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Exterior-releasing |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature fruit with involucre of Xanthium sibiricum Patr. (Asteraceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid, Bitter; Warm; Toxic |
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| Channels Entered | Lung |
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What Is Chao Cang Er Zi?
Chao Cang Er Zi (Stir-fried Siberian Cocklebur Fruit) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Produced in most areas of China.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Bitter; Warm; Toxic
Channels Entered: Lung
Chao Cang Er Zi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Xanthii Fructus (stir-fried)
Botanical Origin
The dried mature fruit with involucre of Xanthium sibiricum Patr. (Asteraceae).
Production Regions
Produced in most areas of China.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is full, yellowish-brown, with spines removed.
Macroscopic Features
Spindle-shaped or oval, 1~1.5cm long, 0.4~0.7cm diameter. Externally yellowish-brown or olive green, with hooked spines (most removed after stir-frying). Light, hard; two rooms inside, each containing an oval lanceolate seed. Seed coat is grayish-black, oily. Faint odor, taste bitter.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid, Bitter; Warm; ToxicLung
Traditional Functions
Disperses wind-cold, unblocks nasal orifices, expels wind-dampness; stir-fried form reduces toxicity.
How Chao Cang Er Zi Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Chao Cang Er Zi is classified among the Exterior-releasing herbs.
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.
