Witnessed by: TCM
Chinese honey locust (Gleditsia sinensis), of the Fabaceae family. Spiny deciduous tree with stout branched thorns; native range: central and southern China. Globally recognized as zao jia (皂荚) in Chinese, and gleditsia fruit, gleditsia thorn (zao jiao ci) in English. The part used is fruit pod; thorn used separately. Flattened dark pod, acrid and salty, foaming in water and provoking a sharp sneeze when powdered.
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.
CHINESE HONEY LOCUST
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- Chinese honey locust
- Scientific name
- Gleditsia sinensis Lam.
- Family
- Fabaceae
Form
- Part used
- fruit pod; thorn used separately
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- pungent · salty
Temperature
- TCM
- warm (slightly toxic)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Large Intestine
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- expels stubborn phlegm and opens the orifices, dispels wind and unblocks obstruction; the thorn reduces abscess and expels pus
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in pregnancy and in those with weak constitution, yin deficiency, or any bleeding tendency; not for coughs with blood
- Toxicity
- slightly toxic and harshly irritant; overdose may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hemolysis
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