Tiger’s Paw

Tiger’s Paw Original: Huzhang (虎掌). In modern botanical terms, this is often identified as Pinellia pedatisecta. grows in the mountain valleys of Hanzhong A region in modern Shaanxi province. and in Yuanju An ancient county in modern Shandong province.; it is also found in the prefectures and commanderies north of the Yellow River. In the third or fourth month of the lunar calendar, the sprouts emerge to a height of over one foot. It has a single stem topped with leaves shaped like claws, with five or six lobes distributed in a pattern that is both sharp and rounded. One plant cluster produces seven or eight stems. Occasionally, a single stem emerges to form a flower spike An inflorescence. that stands straight up like a rat’s tail. In the middle, a leaf shaped like a spoon A spathe, a large leaf-like bract enclosing the flower cluster. wraps around the stem to form a chamber, with an opening on the side that is sharp at the top and wide at the bottom. Inside are tiny greenish-brown flowers. It produces fruit the size of hemp seeds; when ripe, they turn white and fall to the ground on their own. Each seed produces one plant.

In the ninth month, when the sprouts wither, the roots The tubers. are harvested. They are placed in a vessel with hot water and soaked for five to seven days. Once the water cools, it is changed; this is done three or four times a day to wash away the slime. It is then sun-dried for use. The people of Jizhou An ancient province covering parts of modern Hebei and Shanxi. plant this in their vegetable gardens; they also call it Tiannanxing Original: 天南星, "Star of the South Heaven." In modern contexts, this name usually refers to the Arisaema genus, showing how historical names often overlapped between similar-looking toxic tubers.. Its flavor is bitter, its nature is warm yet slightly cold, and it is highly toxic. It is primarily used to treat heart pain, chills and fever, bound energy, accumulations, Fuliang A "Hidden Beam," referring to a hard, painful mass in the upper abdomen., injured sinews, and conditions involving atrophy or contraction. It eases the water passages Acts as a diuretic., and treats dampness under the scrotum as well as dizziness caused by wind.