The source is from the root of Euphorbia pekinensis Rupr., family Euphorbiaceae. The medicinal material is maily produced in Jiangsu, Sichuan,Jiangxi and Guangxi provinces, dug and collected in the end of autumn or the early stage of spring. The roots without fibrous stems and hair are dried in the sun and prepared with vinegar to be used. Medicinal Properties Bitter and pungent in flavor, cold in nature, toxic and attributive to the lung, kidney and large intestine meridians. Actions Purge the bowels to eliminate the retention of phlegm, relieve swelling and dissipate the masses. Application 1. It is used for edema, tympanites and localized fluids in the chest and hypochondrium. It has violent effects in purging and eliminating the retention of phlegm. It can be used alone, or used together with Gansui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui) and Yuanhua (Flos Genkwa), such as Shizao Tang (Decoction) to treat edema and tympanites without exhaustion of the healthy qi; For retention of phlegm and dampness in the chest and hypochondrium manifested as pain in the chest and hypochondrium, sticky and thick sputum, it can be used together with Gansui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui ) and Baijiezi ( Semen Sinapis Albae), etc. to resolve phlegm and eliminate the retention of phlegm. 2. For carbuncle, sore, scrofula and subcutaneous nodule, it can be used orally or by external application. Usage and Dosage 1.5 - 3 g is used in decoction for oral use; 1 g is added to pill or powder form and just right amount for external use. If taken orally, it must be prepared with vinegar to decrease the toxicity. Notes Contraindicated in pregnant women and the weak. It is incompatible with Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae).
