Witnessed by: TCM
Arisaema (Arisaema erubescens), of the Araceae family. Perennial arum with a solitary umbrella-like leaf and hooded spathe; native range: mountain woodlands across much of China. Globally recognized as tian nan xing (天南星) in Chinese, and jack-in-the-pulpit tuber in English. The part used is tuber. Flattened pale corm, acrid and numbing to the raw tongue, mucilaginous when broken.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
ARISAEMA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- arisaema
- Scientific name
- Arisaema erubescens (Wall.) Schott
- Family
- Araceae
Form
- Part used
- tuber
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · pungent
Temperature
- TCM
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Liver · Spleen
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- dries dampness, transforms stubborn phlegm, dispels wind, stops spasms and convulsions; applied topically it reduces swellings
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in pregnancy and in phlegm patterns from yin deficiency or heat; the raw herb is for external use only
- Toxicity
- the raw tuber is toxic, causing intense oral and throat irritation, swelling and numbness
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