Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Zanthoxyli Pericarpium |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 花椒 · Hua Jiao |
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| Medicinal Part | Fruits and seeds |
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| Efficacy Category | Interior-warming |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried mature pericarp of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.(Rutaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Acrid; Warm; Slightly toxic |
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| Channels Entered | Spleen, Stomach, Kidney |
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What Is Hua Jiao?
Hua Jiao (Sichuan Pepper) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi, Hebei, Shandong.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid; Warm; Slightly toxic
Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Kidney
Hua Jiao: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Zanthoxyli Pericarpium
Botanical Origin
The dried mature pericarp of Zanthoxylum bungeanum Maxim.(Rutaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Shaanxi, Hebei, Shandong.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is purple-red, large, oily, with potent aromatic odor.
Macroscopic Features
Singular follicles, 4~5mm diameter, slightly spherical, cracks into two sides. Externally purple-red or brownish-red, numerous scattered verrucous raised oil spots that are 0.5~1mm diameter, translucent when examined under light. Inner surface is pale yellow. Potent aromatic odor; causes an enduring numbing sensation to the tongue with a spicy taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid; Warm; Slightly toxicSpleenStomachKidney
Traditional Functions
Warms the center, stops pain, kills worms, stops itching. Unprocessed Hua jiao has slightly toxin, and strong warm and acrid nature, externally used to kill worms and stop itching, sore, eczema, and Itch of skin.
How Hua Jiao Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Hua Jiao is classified among the Interior-warming herbs. It appears in 1 classical formulas in our library.
Formulas containing Hua Jiao are traditionally used for:
Abdominal PainDiarrhea
Classical Formulas Containing Hua Jiao
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hua Jiao? Are Shu Jiao and Hu Jiao the same?
Official Hua Jiao (花椒) is the dried ripe pericarp of Zanthoxylum schinifolium or Zanthoxylum bungeanum. The pharmacopoeial name is Zanthoxyli Pericarpium. Classical Shu Jiao is this pericarp. Hu Jiao is acrid-hot, warms the middle and scatters cold, and is the fruit of Piper nigrum. Write Hua Jiao. Yin vacuity with fire is contraindicated.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Hua Jiao?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Hua Jiao is acrid and warm, enters the Spleen, Stomach and Kidney channels, and acts to warm the middle, stop pain, kill parasites and stop itch. It is used for cold pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, vomiting and diarrhea, and abdominal pain from parasite accumulation; externally for eczema and genital itch. Acrid and warm, it suits middle cold and parasite accumulation—not yin vacuity with fire.
How do you choose raw versus dry-fried peel? Can Hu Jiao replace it?
Raw peel is stronger for killing parasites and stopping itch. Dry-frying warms the middle, stops pain and lessens dryness. Black pepper is acrid-hot and scatters cold; it cannot replace killing parasites by equal weight. Culinary pepper is not equal-weight pieces.
Learn More About Hua Jiao
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Hua Jiao.
Read the Hua Jiao Guide →
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.
