This product is the root of the perennial herb Peking Euphorbia Root (Euphorbia pekinensis Rupr.) from the Euphorbiaceae family. It is mainly produced in Jiangsu, Sichuan, Jiangxi, Guangxi, and other regions. It is harvested in late autumn or early spring. After removing the residual stems and fibrous roots, it is dried in the sun. It can be used raw or processed with vinegar.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Bitter and acrid, cold, toxic. Act on lung, kidney and large intestine meridians.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Draining water to expel fluid retention, subduing swelling and dissipating bind.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for edema, tympanites, and fluid retention in the chest and hypochondrium. This product has a water-expelling and fluid-draining effect similar to Gansui Root, and its nature is also quite potent. For treating edema and tympanitis in patients with healthy qi not yet weakened, Peking Euphorbia Root is boiled with Chinese Date and the dates are eaten, or it is used in combination with Gansui Root and Lilac Daphne to enhance the effect of expelling water by purgation. For treating phlegm-dampness and fluid retention in the chest and hypochondrium leading to dull pain in the hypochondriac region and sticky sputum, it can be used with Gansui Root and white mustard seed to achieve the effect of dispelling phlegm and draining fluids.
2. Used for abscesses, sores, and scrofula subcutaneous nodules. Peking Euphorbia Root can subdue swelling and dissipate bind. It can be used both internally and externally. For treating heat toxin abscesses and sores, it can be freshly pounded and applied externally. For treating Yongju in the neck, it is combined with Chinese Angelica, White Atractylodes Rhizome, and raw Pinellia to make pills for oral administration. For treating scrofula subcutaneous nodules caused by phlegm-fire accumulation, Peking Euphorbia Root can be boiled with egg and the egg is eaten.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Benjing: "Main parasitic toxin twelve waters, abdominal distension and fullness acute pain, abdominal mass apoplexy."
2. Bielu: "Neck armpit carbuncle (acute pyogenic axillary lymphadenitis) swelling, headache, induces sweating, benefits the large and small intestine."
3. Bencao Zheng: "Nature is fierce and strong, good at expelling water evil and phlegm-saliva, purges dampness-heat distension and fullness."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take 1.5-3g; take 1g each time in pill or powder form. For external use, apply an appropriate amount in its raw form. For internal use, process with vinegar to reduce toxicity.

bubble_chart Cautions and Contraindications

Weak individuals and pregnant women should avoid use. Incompatible with Liquorice Root.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

This product contains Peking Euphorbia Root glycosides, alkaloids, gums, resins, etc.

1. The ether and hot water extracts of this product have a laxative effect by stimulating the intestines;
2. it has an excitatory effect on the isolated uterus during pregnancy;
3. it can dilate capillaries and counteract the hypertensive effect of adrenaline.
4. Animal experiments have shown that the toxicity of this product increases when combined with Liquorice Root.

bubble_chart Supplementary Medicinals

Knoxia root is the root of the perennial herb Knoxia valerianoides Thorel et Pitard, belonging to the India Madder Root family. It is also known as Red Bud Peking Euphorbia Root or Guang Peking Euphorbia Root. It has a bitter and cold nature, and its functions are somewhat similar to those of the Root of Peking Euphorbia. However, the Root of Peking Euphorbia is stronger in expelling water through purgation, while Knoxia root excels in reducing swelling and dissipating bind. It can be decocted and taken orally in doses of 1.5-5g, or ground into powder and taken in doses of 1g. For external use, apply an appropriate amount. It can be used either vinegar-processed or raw. It is contraindicated for those who are weak or pregnant. It is incompatible with Liquorice Root.