INDIVIDUAL HERBS

Pharmaceutical Latin: Radix Euphorbiae Pekinensis
Radix Euphorbiae seu Knoxiae
Common English: Knoxia Root
Euphorbia Root
Caper Spurge Seed
Euphorbia Knoxia
Downward Draining Herbs (Laxatives): Harsh Cathartics
Taste Temperature Entering Meridians Dosage
Bitter
Acrid
Cold
Slightly Toxic
Toxic
(Extremely Toxic)
Kidney
Large Intestine
Spleen
(Lung)
1-3g
Powder: 0.5-1g
Tincture: 0-1.5ml
Actions Indications/Syndromes

Drains water downward and drives out thin mucus

Relatively moderate accumulation of Fluids in the chest and flanks with labored breathing, dull pain in the lateral aspect of the chest, expectoration of thick sputum and a thick, greasy tongue coat

For very severe conditions, use Jing Da Ji

Reduces swelling and dissipates nodules

Topically for red, swollen, painful and toxic sores or scrofula

CONTRAINDICATIONS
  • Jing Da Ji is contraindicated during pregnancy and in the debilitated.
  • Use Jing Da Ji for as short a time as possible.
  • Contraindicated for those who have Qi, Blood, Yin or Yang Deficiency.
  • Contraindicated for those who tend to bleed excessively.
  • Contraindicated for those who have a history of ulcer or gastrointestinal bleeding.
  • Contraindicated for those who have cardiovascular disorders.
  • Contraindicated for those who have impairment of Kidney function.
INCOMPATIBILITIES
  • Jing Da Ji is incompatible with Rx. Glycyrrhizae Gan Cao.
HERB/DRUG INTERACTIONS

Rx. Aucklandiae
Mu Xiang

Sm. Pharbitidis
Qian Niu Zi

Rx. Kansui
Gan Sui
Sm. Sinapis
Bai Jie Zi

Water accumulation in the chest and abdomen with urinary difficulty

Ascites

Phlegm above and below the diaphragm with sudden, excruciating pain in the trunk and neck

Roasted Rz. Zingiberis
Gan Jiang

Fr. Jujube
Da Zao

Ascites, abdominal distention and urinary dysfunction

Edema and distended abdomen (cook together and eat)

 

  1. Historically, Da Ji referred to Jing Da Ji, however, because of its great toxicity, Hong Da Ji is commonly used.
  2. Hong Da Ji more strongly reduces swelling and nodules.
  3. Jing Dai Ji is stronger at dispelling water.
  4. This herb powerfully attacks pathogenic water accumulation and thin mucus driving it downward and out through the rectum.
  5. It can be used alone as a decoction or powder to treat Liver cirrhosis.
  6. It is used when there is an accumulation of Fluid and Phlegm in the body.
  7. Da Ji, Rx. Kansui Gan Sui, and Flos Genkwa Yuan Hua all are powerful and harsh expellants and are used to treat severe edema and accumulations in the chest and abdomen. They are all toxic and must only be used for a short time. They are often combined to strengthen the effect. Da Ji and drain water and Dampness within the organs. Gan Sui can mobilize water and Dampness within the channels and collaterals and Yuan Hua tends to drain Phlegm and thin mucus within the chest and Lungs. The toxicity of all three is quite marked, especially Hong Da Ji and none should be used on weak patients.
  8. Vinegar Euphorbia Cu Da Ji is less toxic and its ability to drive out water is reduced. Its ability to reduce focal distention is enhanced as is its ability to expel accumulation.