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.