This product is the mature seed of the annual climbing herb of the Convolvulaceae family, lobedleaf pharbitis seed (Pharbitis nil (L.) Choisy) or roundleaf pharbitis seed (Pharbitis purpurea (L.) Choisy). The seeds with a gray-black surface are called Black Pharbitis Seed, while those with a pale yellow surface are called White Pharbitis Seed, and both are used interchangeably. It is produced in most regions of the country. The seeds are harvested in autumn when the fruits are mature, then dried in the sun. They can be used raw or stir-fried.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Bitter, cold. toxic. act on lung, kidney and large intestine channels.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Purging, expelling water, removing stagnation, and killing worms.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for edema, tympanites. Pharbitis Seed is bitter and cold in nature, with a descending and purging property, capable of promoting urination and defecation to excrete dampness. Although its diuretic effect is slightly milder than Gansui Root and Root of Peking Euphorbia, it is still a drastic purgative and should be used for excess dampness pattern where healthy qi is not depleted. For initial edema and distension with difficulty in urination and defecation, it can be used alone by grinding into powder for oral administration; or combined with fennel fruit as powder, mixed with ginger juice for oral administration; for more severe conditions, it can be used together with Gansui Root, Root of Peking Euphorbia, etc., such as in Boats and Carts Pill.
2. Used for phlegm-fluid retention with wheezing and coughing. This product can also purge lung qi and expel phlegm-fluid retention. For treating lung qi stagnation, phlegm-fluid retention with wheezing and coughing, and facial edema, it is often used with Pepperweed Seed, Bitter Apricot Seed, tangerine peel, etc., such as in Pharbitis Seed Powder.
3. Used for intestinal and stomach excess heat with retention of food, and severe constipation. Pharbitis Seed has purgative, laxative, and anti-accumulation effects. For treating dampness-heat retention of food in the intestines and stomach, constipation with abdominal distension and fullness, or dysentery with tenesmus, it can be used with Aucklandia Root, Areca Seed, Immature Orange Fruit; for treating severe constipation, it can be combined with Peach Kernel, made into pills with honey for oral administration.
4. Used for abdominal pain due to parasitic accumulation. This product can eliminate accumulation and kill worms, and can also expel parasitic bodies through its purgative and laxative effects. For treating roundworms, tapeworms, and abdominal pain due to parasitic accumulation, it can be used with Areca Seed, Quisqualis Fruit, ground into powder for oral administration to enhance its anti-accumulation and worm-killing effects.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Bielu: "The Lord lowers qi, treats foot edema, dispels wind toxin, and promotes urination."
2. Bencao Gangmu: "Lobedleaf pharbitis seed treats water qi in the lungs, wheezing and swelling, lower energizer stagnation, swelling of the waist and back, and large intestine wind constipation, qi constipation, with remarkable efficacy. However, for diseases in the blood aspect and spleen-stomach weakness with stuffiness and fullness, it should not be used for quick relief or taken regularly, as it damages original qi."
3. Bencao Zheng: "Lobedleaf pharbitis seed is often used in ancient prescriptions as powders or pills. If used for emergency treatment, it can also be taken with other herbs in decoction, but it greatly depletes original qi. Therefore, it should be avoided by those who are weak."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take 3-9g. For pill or powder form, take 1.5-3g each time. The medicinal properties are reduced when stir-fried.

bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications

Contraindicated for pregnant women and should not be used with Croton Fruit.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

This product contains Pharbitis Seed glycosides, Pharbitis Seed methyl acid, Nutgall acid, and alkaloids such as ergot alcohol, naked ergot alkaloid, penniclavine ergot alkaloid, isopenniclavine ergot alkaloid, and wild oat alkaloid.

1. Pharbitis Seed glycosides decompose in the intestine upon encountering gall bile and intestinal fluid, releasing Pharbitis Seed elements that stimulate the intestines, enhance peristalsis, and lead to strong purgation; there is no difference in the purgative effect between Black Pharbitis Seed and White Pharbitis Seed.
2. It is toxic to humans, and excessive use can directly cause vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucous bloody stools, as well as stimulate the kidneys, leading to hematuria. In severe cases, it can damage the nervous system, causing speech disorders, unconsciousness, etc.