Chinese name: Tiannanxing

Alternate names: Shanbaomi, Snakebaoguan, Shanbangzi, Knifejiancao.

Functions and Indications: Drying dampness and reducing phlegm, dispelling wind and relieving spasm, dispersing stagnation and reducing swelling. It is used for coughs with stubborn phlegm, dizziness due to wind disease, stroke, phlegm congestion, crooked eyes and mouth, hemiplegia, epilepsy, convulsions, and tetanus; it is used externally to treat carbuncles and snake and insect bites. The dosage is 3~9g, generally used after processing. [Notes] The tubers of plants of the same genus, A. erubescens (Wall.) Schott. and A. amurense Maxim., are both used medicinally.

Nature and flavor: Damp in nature, bitter and pungent in taste.

Chemical composition: Contains β-sitosterol-D-glucoside and amino acids.

Source: It is the tuber of Arisaema heterophyllum Blume.

Plant form: perennial herb, 60-100cm tall. The leaves are single, fully divided like a bird's toe, with 13-21 lobes, oblanceolate, and the middle lobe is smaller than the adjacent one; the petiole is 10-15cm long. The flowers are unisexual, on the same or different plants; the inflorescence stalk is equal in length or slightly longer than the petiole; the spathe is green, the lower part is cylindrical, about 5cm long, the upper part gradually expands and curves forward; there are male flowers at the lower part of the male inflorescence 3 to 4cm; The appendage is rat-tail-shaped, 18cm long, and extends out of the Buddha flame. Berry red. The flowering period is from April to May, and the fruiting period is from June to July. Born on the edge of ravines and in relatively damp forest understory. Mainly produced in Northeast China, Hebei, Shandong, Henan and Sichuan.