1. Description:
Euphorbia pekinensis (scientific name: Euphorbia pekinensis Rupr., also known as Peking spurge, Chinese Pinyin: Da Ji, Simplified Chinese: 大戟, 京大戟, 龙虎草, 天平一枝香, 邛钜, 下马仙), is a species of flowering herbaceous plant in genus Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae family). Native to Asia, the plant can grow up to 20 cm tall. The root of Euphorbia pekinensis is used as diuretic, discutient and antibloat drug in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as abdominal dropsy (waterbelly).
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The root of Euphorbia pekinensis is considered to have bitter and cold properties and to be associated with the lung, spleen and kidney meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Euphorbia Pekinensis & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Edema
Euphorbia pekinensis root and dried ginger are powdered and taken with ginger soup to treat edema (swelling caused by fluid retention).
3.2 Pain Relieving
Euphorbia pekinensis root can be used externally to relieve toothache.
3.3 Skin Health
Pills made with Euphorbia pekinensis root, Angelica sinensis, white atractylodes rhizome and fresh pinellia ternata can be taken orally to treat painful sores.
4. Contraindication, Side-effects & Cautions:
Administration with caution for pregnant women.
Simultaneous use of Euphorbia pekinensis and licorice root is NOT recommended.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.