This product is the flower bud of the deciduous shrub plant Lilac Daphne (Daphne genkwa Sieb. et Zucc.) from the Thymelaeaceae family. It is mainly produced in Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Shandong, and other regions. The buds are harvested in spring before the flowers bloom. They are then dried in the sun or by baking. They can be used raw or processed with vinegar.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Acrid and bitter, warm, toxic. Act on lung, kidney and large intestine meridians.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Expelling fluid retention by drastic purgation, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, killing worms and treating sores.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for pleural effusion, edema, tympanites. Lilac Daphne has a similar but slightly weaker effect of purging water and expelling fluid compared to Gansui Root and Root of Peking Euphorbia, and it excels in resolving phlegm and relieving cough. It is suitable for wheezing and cough caused by pleural effusion, as well as chest and hypochondriac pain. It is also used for epigastric stuffiness, edema, and tympanites. It is often used in combination with Gansui Root and Root of Peking Euphorbia, such as in Ten Jujubes Decoction and Boats and Carts Pill.
2. Used for head sores, white baldness, and cervical neurodermatitis. This product has the effect of killing worms and treating sores when applied externally. For the above-mentioned surgical conditions, it can be used alone by grinding it into powder or combined with Realgar to make a fine powder, mixed with lard to form an ointment for external application. Additionally, it can be decocted with Liquorice Root for external washing, and it also treats chilblain.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Benjing: "Main cough with dyspnea, throat wheezing and panting."
2. Bencao Gangmu: "Treats water retention and phlegm obstruction, pain under the ribs." "The nature of Lilac Daphne, Gansui Root, and Peking Euphorbia Root is to expel water and drain dampness, capable of directly reaching the hidden and obstructed areas of water retention. However, they should be used gradually, achieving quick effects, but should not be overdosed, as they can deplete the body's vital energy." "Lilac Daphne is best when aged for several years. When used, it should be boiled in good vinegar several dozen times, then the vinegar is removed, soaked in water overnight, dried in the sun, and then used, which reduces its toxicity. Alternatively, frying it with vinegar is the next best method."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

1.5～3 grams. Decoct for oral use, take as powder, apply externally as needed. 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 Daphnetin, Hydroxy Daphnetin, Daphnin, and Apigenin; it also contains Sitosterol, Benzoic Acid, and others. The decoction has a diuretic effect; the alcohol-water extract of vinegar-processed Daphne inhibits Klebsiella pneumoniae, hemolytic streptococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae. The water extract inhibits skin fungi such as Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Macrosporum, Microsporum ferrugineum, and Asteromyces. Daphnetin and Daphnetin methyl ester show significant anti-tumor activity against P388 lymphocytic leukemia. Daphne also has sedative, antitussive, and expectorant effects. When Daphne is used in combination with Liquorice Root, there is a tendency for increased toxicity.