Zào Jiǎo Cì (皂角刺), known in English as Chinese honeylocust spine (Gleditsia sinensis (thorn)), is a warm, acrid Chinese herb from the Resolve phlegm category. It enters the Liver and Stomach channels. Its main action: reduces swelling and draws out toxin.
| Pinyin | Zào Jiǎo Cì (Zao Jiao Ci) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 皂角刺 |
| English | Chinese honeylocust spine |
| Botanical name | Gleditsia sinensis (thorn) |
| Category | Resolve phlegm |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Acrid |
| Channels | Liver, Stomach |
| Dosage | 3–10g; topical as needed |
| Cautions | Pregnancy; abscesses that have already ruptured |
Actions
- Reduces swelling and draws out toxin
- Expels pus — brings an abscess to a head and helps it drain
- Kills parasites (topical)
Indications
- Early abscesses and boils, or pus formed that will not drain
- Scabies, tinea and leprosy (topical)
How to remember Zào Jiǎo Cì
Most Resolve phlegm herbs enter the Lung channel.
- Learn by heart
- Warm: Resolve phlegm herbs vary in nature
- Acrid: Resolve phlegm herbs vary in flavour
- Liver and Stomach channels: nothing in its group or its actions points to them
Other Resolve phlegm herbs
- Bàn Xià
- Guā Lóu
- Tiān Nán Xīng
- Jié Gěng
- Chuān Bèi Mǔ
- Zhè Bèi Mǔ
- Zhú Rú
- Tiān Zhú Huáng
- Hǎi Zǎo
- Kūn Bù
- Pí Pá Yè
- Xìng Rén
- Zǐ Wǎn
- Bǎi Bù
- Kuǎn Dōng Huā
- Sāng Bái Pí
- Tíng Lì Zǐ
- Bái Jiè Zǐ
- Bái Qián
- Qián Hú
- Xuán Fù Huā
- Zǐ Sū Zǐ
- Bái Guǒ
- Qīng Méng Shí
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Zào Jiǎo Cì?
Zào Jiǎo Cì is warm and acrid.
Which channels does Zào Jiǎo Cì enter?
Zào Jiǎo Cì enters the Liver and Stomach channels.
What are the actions of Zào Jiǎo Cì?
Reduces swelling and draws out toxin; Expels pus — brings an abscess to a head and helps it drain; Kills parasites (topical).
What is Zào Jiǎo Cì used for?
Early abscesses and boils, or pus formed that will not drain; scabies, tinea and leprosy (topical).
Practise Zào Jiǎo Cì and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.