Peking
spurge root (Daji)
Pharmaceutical Name : Radix Euphorbiae seu
Knoxiae
Botanical Name : 1. Euphorbia pekinesis
Rupr.; 2. Knoxia valerianoides Thorel et Pitard
Common Name : Euphorbia root, Peking spurge
root
Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao
Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations : The roots are dug in autumn
or spring. After the fibrous roots have been
removed, the roots are cleaned and dried in
the sun, and then they are soaked in vinegar.
Properties & Taste : Bitter, pungent,
cold and poisonous
Meridians: Lung, kidney and large intestine
Functions :
1. To transform water and reduce edema;
2. To disperse nodules and relieve swelling
Indications & Combinations:
1. Edema of the face and the body, retention
of fluid in the chest and ascites. Peking
spurge root (Daji) is used with Jujube (Dazao),
Kansui root (Gansui) and Genkwa flower (Yuanhua)
in the formula Shizao Tang.
2. Boils, carbuncles, scrofula and subcutaneous
nodules. Peking spurge root (Daji) is used
with Pleione rhizome (Shancigu) and Moleplant
seed (Qianjinzi) for internal and external
use in the formula Zijin Ding.
Dosage: 1.5-3 g
Cautions & Contraindications:
This herb should not be mixed with Licorice
root (Gancao), and it is contraindicated during
pregnancy. |
