This product is the dried rhizome of common alocasia rhizome (Alocasia macrorrhiza (L.) Schott) of the Arisaema family. Produced in Guangdong, Hainan, Guangxi, Yunnan, Fujian, Jiangxi and Taiwan.

bubble_chart Morphological Characteristics

Longitudinal and transverse slices of rhizomes are often used. They are oblong, round or strip-shaped, wrinkled and curled, about 12cm wide and 2.5mm thick. The surface is brown or tan; the section is grey-brown and the transverse section is granular. (vascular bundle) protrusions, longitudinal tendons visible in longitudinal section. The smell is slight, the taste is light, and the tongue is numb when chewed.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Acrid, warm, toxic.

bubble_chart Efficacy

removing toxin, clearing away heat and reducing swelling.

bubble_chart Indications

Used for common cold, lung subcutaneous node, sores, swollen poison, snake and insect bites.

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

6～15g, decocted with water.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

The fresh rhizome contains common alocasia rhizome (alocasin), and the whole plant contains cyanogenic glycosides (cyanogenicglycosides), β-sitosterol and its glucoside (glucoside).

Poisoning by accidentally eating fresh food will cause itching of the mouth, tongue, and throat, followed by swelling and pain, salivation, stomach burning pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating. In severe cases, death from convulsions, suffocation, and cardiac paralysis. Skin contact with the sap from its stems and leaves can cause itching. Accidentally entering the eyes can cause severe conjunctivitis and even blindness.

Rescue method (the following is the method of removing toxin recommended by general literature, which may not necessarily be confirmed by clinical verification):

• Egg white, batter, milk, etc. can be taken after poisoning by accidental ingestion. Drink large amounts of sugar water or inject 5% glucose saline intravenously.
• Folks use vinegar and ginger juice to cook together, take it orally or gargle, or decoct it with 250g of holly plant.
• For skin poisoning, wash with dilute vinegar acid or vinegar; for eye injuries, wash repeatedly with boric acid solution and drop chloramphenicol or neomycin eye drops.