Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Zanthoxyl Radix |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 兩面針 · Liang Mian Zhen |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Blood-activating |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried root of Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC.(Rutaceae) |
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| Nature & Flavour | Bitter, Acrid; Neutral; Slightly toxic |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Stomach |
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What Is Liang Mian Zhen?
Liang Mian Zhen (Shinyleaf Pricklyash Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi and Southern Fujian.
Nature & Flavour: Bitter, Acrid; Neutral; Slightly toxic
Channels Entered: Liver, Stomach
Liang Mian Zhen: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Zanthoxyl Radix
Botanical Origin
The dried root of Zanthoxylum nitidum (Roxb.) DC.(Rutaceae)
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi and Southern Fujian.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has potent odor, thick root skin.
Macroscopic Features
Thick flakes or cylindrical short sections, 2~20cm long. 0.5~6cm thick, some are 10cm. Externally pale brownish-yellow or pale yellow, with fresh yellow or yellowish-brown sub-spherical lenticels. Fractured surface is relatively smooth, cortex is pale brown, xylem is pale yellow, eccentric rings and dense small holes can be seen. Hard texture, faintly aromatic odor, acrid and spicy taste, numbing the tongue and bitter.
Traditional TCM Properties
Bitter, Acrid; Neutral; Slightly toxicLiverStomach
Traditional Functions
Invigorates blood and resolves stasis, moves qi and relieves pain, dispels wind and unblocks collaterals, resolves toxin and reduces swelling.
How Liang Mian Zhen Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Liang Mian Zhen is classified among the Blood-activating 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.
