The Therapeutic Effects of Qian Nian Jian: A Warm and Spicy Remedy for Stomach Pain and Rheumatism

Qian Nian Jian, also known as Yi Bao Zhen, Qian Ke Zhen, Qian Nian Jian, has a warm and spicy taste. It has good therapeutic effects for treating stomach pain and rheumatism, with specific functions as follows:
 

Qian Nian Jian

　　Qian Nian Jian

　　[Other Names] Yi Bao Zhen, Qian Ke Zhen, Si Ling Xian.

　　[Toxicity] Toxic (some say non-toxic)

　　[Source] This product is the dried rhizome of the plant Homalomena occulta (Lour.) Schott, a member of the family Araceae.

　　[Harvesting] It is harvested in spring and autumn, washed, peeled, and dried.

　　[Appearance] This product is cylindrical, slightly curved, and some are slightly flattened, with a length of 15-40cm and a diameter of 0.8-1.5cm. The surface is yellow-brown to reddish-brown, rough, with numerous twisted longitudinal grooves, circular root marks, and yellow needle-like fiber bundles. It is hard and brittle in texture, with a reddish-brown section, many visible yellow needle-like fiber bundles, and numerous small holes and a few yellow needle-like fiber bundles on the other side. It also has shiny dark brown oil spots. It has a fragrant smell and a spicy and slightly bitter taste.
 

Qian Nian Jian Image

　　[Identification] (1) Transverse section: Some cork cells remain, brown. The basic tissue contains large secretory cavities composed of several layers of cork cells; there are more secretory cells on the outer side, containing yellow to brown secretions; mucilage cells are large, containing clusters of calcium oxalate crystals; calcium oxalate clusters are scattered; the vascular bundles are of the external phloem type and the perimedullary type, scattered, with fiber bundles often found on the outer side of the external phloem type, rarely single fiber bundles, with thick fiber walls and lignification.

　　(2) Take 1g of the powder of this product, add 5ml of ether, let it stand for 30 minutes, shake it occasionally, filter, take 1ml of the filtrate, place it in an evaporating dish, evaporate the ether, add 1-2 drops of 1% vanillin sulfuric acid solution, and it will turn purple-red or purple.

　　Functions and Effects of Qian Nian Jian

　　Qian Nian Jian has the functions of dispelling wind and dampness, strengthening muscles and bones, relieving pain, and reducing swelling. Experimental studies have shown that it has good analgesic and anti-rheumatic effects, making it suitable for the treatment of elderly people with weak and sore muscles and bones. It is mostly wild and grows in damp places such as mountain gullies.

　　Clinical Application

　　Qian Nian Jian has a warm and spicy taste, and its spiciness can disperse and its warmth can tonify, so it is commonly used to treat wind-cold-dampness bi syndrome.
 

Functions and Effects of Chinese Medicine Qian Nian Jian

　　1. It is used for wind-cold-dampness bi syndrome, lumbago, weak legs, spasm, and numbness. It is often used in combination with Zuan Di Feng to enhance the effects of dispelling wind, relieving pain, and strengthening muscles and bones.

　　2. It is used for stomach cold pain, either alone as a powder or mixed with alcohol for oral administration.

　　Contraindications

　　It should not be used by those with yin deficiency and internal heat.

　　Preparation Method of Qian Nian Jian Alcohol

　　[Preparation Materials] 10g of Qian Nian Jian, 500g of white wine.

　　[Preparation Method] Process the above ingredients into small pieces, soak them in white wine, and seal the container. Place it in a cool place, shake it 1-2 times a day, and after 7 days, filter and clarify the liquid.

　　[Dosage] Take 15-20ml orally, twice a day.