Radix Xylosmae Japonici
Aliases：Zao Zi Mu (literally "Chisel Wood"), Zao Tou Mu (literally "Chisel Head Wood"), Hong Meng (literally "Red Lemon Tree"), Zuo Shu (literally "Zuo Tree"), Meng Zi Shu (literally "Lemon Tree"), Hu Lu Ci (literally "Gourd Thorn"), Shu Mu (literally "Rat Wood"), Ci Zuo (literally "Thorny Zuo Tree"), and Zao Shu (literally "Chisel Tree"). (These are all alternative names for Zhà Mù Gēn, i.e., the root of Japanese Xylosma / Xylosma congestum.)
Zhà Mù Gēn is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the dried root of Xylosma congestum (Lour.) Merr. (also known as Xylosma racemosum (Sieb. et Zucc.) Miq.), a plant belonging to the family Flacourtiaceae. The root appears as irregular slices or segments, with a grayish‑brown or brown surface and longitudinal wrinkles. It is hard in texture. The odor is faint, and the taste is bland. It grows on plains, hills, near villages, or in sparse forests at the foot of mountains. It was first recorded in Caomu Bianfang (Simple Prescriptions of Plants).
Efficacy & Actions
Detoxifies, promotes diuresis, disperses blood stasis, and induces labor.
Indications
Jaundice, dysentery, edema, hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis, scrofula (lymphatic tuberculosis, also known as "rat fistula"), traumatic swelling and pain, dystocia, retained dead fetus, and blood‑qi abdominal pain.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 12–18 g; for fresh product, 60–120 g; or burn to preserve the properties, grind into powder, and take with wine.
Contraindications
Contraindicated during pregnancy.
Selected Formulas
For jaundice, edema, and obstruction of the orifices (Sichuan Common Chinese Herbal Medicines) Take 12-18g (4-6 qian) of Zuo Mu (Xylosma japonicum) root, decoct in water and drink, or burn to charcoal and take with wine. For dysentery (Hunan Materia Medica) Take 90g (3 liang) of Zuo Mu root, decoct in water and drink. For hemoptysis due to pulmonary tuberculosis (Selected Compilation of Folk Prescriptions) Take 60-120g (2-4 liang) of fresh Zuo Mu root bark, decoct in water and drink. For scrofula and tuberculous lymphadenitis (Sichuan Chinese Materia Medica) Take Zuo Mu root, Heshouwu (Polygonum multiflorum), Jiuzi Lianhuan Cao (a local herb), Xiakucao (Prunella vulgaris), Muzhu Teng (a local herb), Kunbu (kelp), and Haizao (Sargassum). Decoct in water and drink.
Medicinal Parts
Root.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
