Cang Er Zi vs Mentha Haplocalyx

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Cang Er Zi

Xanthium sibiricum

Respiratory

Mentha haplocalyx

Respiratory

Cang Er Zi

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Mentha Haplocalyx

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

TCM herb for nasal congestion and rhinitis; warming herb that opens nasal orifices.

Aromatic perennial herb native to East Asia used in TCM to disperse wind-heat, clear the head and eyes, and course liver qi.

Active Compounds

xanthanolides, xanthatin, carboxyatractyloside, xanthostrumarin, alkaloids

menthol, menthone, menthofuran, pulegone, isomenthol

Traditional Uses

rhinitis, nasal congestion, sinusitis, headache, wind-damp arthralgia

wind-heat cold, headache, sore throat, liver qi stagnation, itchy skin

Modern Uses

anti-allergic rhinitis, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial

antipyretic, decongestant, carminative, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

3-9g dried fruit or 300mg extract daily

3–6g decoction

Contraindications

blood deficiency, pregnancy, liver disease

yin deficiency, infant face application of oil, allergy

Side Effects

hepatotoxic at high doses, rash

cool sensation in GI, skin sensitization from oil

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E