Is processed Aconite root the same as Black Shun slice?
Apr 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, processed Aconiti Lateralis Radix (Zhi Fuzi) is not entirely equivalent to Black顺片 (Black Shunpian). After processing methods such as salting, water-soaking, boiling, and stir-frying, the alkaloid content of raw Aconiti Radix (Sheng Fuzi) is reduced, thereby decreasing its toxicity and producing processed Aconiti Lateralis Radix (Zhi Fuzi). There are various processed forms of Zhi Fuzi, including Black顺片 (Black Shunpian), White附片 (White Fupian), Salt附子 (Salt Fuzi), and others. Therefore, Black Shunpian is only one type of processed Zhi Fuzi and cannot be considered completely equivalent to Zhi Fuzi as a whole.
Generally speaking, processed Aconite Root (Zhi Fuzi) is not entirely equivalent to Black Prepared Aconite Slice (Heishunpian). A detailed analysis is as follows:
Processed Aconite Root is a processed product derived from the tuberous roots of the plant Aconitum carmichaelii (belonging to the Ranunculaceae family). After processing methods such as salting, soaking, steaming, and stir-frying, the alkaloid content of raw Aconite Root is reduced, thus decreasing its toxicity and producing processed Aconite Root. There are various processed forms of Aconite Root, including Black Prepared Aconite Slice (Heishunpian), White Prepared Aconite Slice (Baifupian), Salted Aconite Root (Yan Fuzi), etc. Therefore, Black Prepared Aconite Slice is only one type of processed Aconite Root and cannot be considered entirely equivalent to processed Aconite Root.
Although processed Aconite Root and Black Prepared Aconite Slice originate from the same source, they cannot simply be regarded as identical due to differences in their processing methods and pharmacological characteristics. The primary purpose of processing Aconite Root is to reduce its toxicity while enhancing its therapeutic effects of warming yang, dispersing cold, and restoring yang to rescue from collapse. It can be used to treat symptoms such as aversion to cold, cold limbs, and pulse that is barely perceptible due to deficiency and detachment. On the other hand, the pharmacological effect of Black Prepared Aconite Slice is relatively milder, primarily used for invigorating fire to assist yang, dispersing cold, and relieving pain. It is commonly used to treat abdominal pain caused by internal invasion of cold pathogens and diarrhea. Before using any Chinese herbal medicine, it is recommended to consult a qualified traditional Chinese medicine practitioner to ensure safe and effective medication use.
During the medication period, it is advisable to maintain healthy lifestyle habits such as eating a light diet and maintaining regular作息 (作息 translates as作息 here, but in English, it can be translated as作息 habits or routine作息), which can help enhance treatment effectiveness.
