Ma Qian Zi (Nux-Vomica Seeds) - Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Name: Ma Qian Zi
English Name: Nux-Vomica Seeds

Clinical Usage and Indications

  • Unblock the channels, disperse clumps - reduces swelling and alleviates pain.
  • Abscess, yin-type ulcers, pain due to trauma, wind-damp obstruction.

Functional Groups (Click for Summary/Study Notes)

Dosage and Preparation Notes

  • Dosage: 0.3-0.9g

Channels/Meridians Influenced

Associated Temperature and Taste

Cautions and Contraindications

There are currently no contraindications listed.

Staff Clinician Notes

Also Used For:

Orally, nux vomica is used for impotence and for lycine encephalopathy.  It is also used in combination for diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, organic and functional disorders of the heart and circulatory system, diseases of the eye, nervous conditions, depression, migraines, climacteric complaints, facial neuralgias (Sympatalgien), and Raynaud's disease.

Historically, nux vomica has been thought of as an oral tonic, and used as an appetite-stimulant.  It has also been used for diseases of the respiratory tract, anemia, and geriatric complaints.  Nux vomica contains strychnine and brucine and has, therefore, been used in manufacturing.  It is used as a rodenticide.

Herbal Formulas Which Include This Herb

Below you will find Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas which contain this particular herb (in alphabetical order). You may click on the name of the formula for more details or click on any of the products from our store to read usage information or purchase a particular formula.