INDIVIDUAL HERBS

Pharmaceutical Latin: Flos Genkwa
Common English: Genkwa Flower
Daphne
Lilac Daphne Flower
Daphnis Genkwa
Bottleneck
Downward Draining Herbs (Laxatives): Harsh Expellants (Cathartics)
Taste Temperature Entering Meridians Dosage
Bitter
Acrid
Warm
Toxic
Kidney
Large Intestine
Lung
(Spleen)
1.5-3g
Powder: 1.5-3g in
Tincture: 0.1-1ml
Actions Indications/Syndromes

Drains water downward, drives out thin mucus and promotes urination

Accumulation of fluid in the chest, flanks, and abdomen (harsh cathartic and diuretic)

Edema of the Five Zang Organs

Resolves Phlegm and stops cough

Coughing and wheezing

Chronic bronchitis with a preponderance of Dampness and Cold (can be taken alone with sugar)

Kills parasites (topical)

Parasitic infestations such as tinea

CONTRAINDICATIONS
  • This toxic substance should only be used for ascites or other Excess-type disorders and taken only for a short time.
  • Contraindicated during pregnancy.
  • Use caution with weak patients.
INCOMPATIBILITIES
  • Incompatible with Rx. Glycyrrhizae Gan Cao.

Rx. Kansui
Gan Sui

Rx. Kansui
Gan Sui

Rx. Euphorbiae Pekinensis
Jing Da Ji
Fr. Zizyphi Jujube
Da Zao

Realgar
Xiong Huang

Accumulation of fluids in the chest

Increases its carminative effect and protects the Spleen and Stomach

Topically for tinea

Rx. Glycyrrhizae
Gan Cao

External wash for frostbite

 

 

  1. Symptoms of toxicity include tremors and dyspnea.
  2. Use only for a short time.
  3. This herb targets the upper Jiao.
  4. This herb has been shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
  5. This herb eliminates Phlegm and fluid retention in the chest.
  6. This is the dried bud, leaf or root of the plant.
  7. A thread, soaked in a decoction of this herb can be tied around a hemorrhoid or tumor to make it fall off.
  8. This herb is also indicated for lumbago due to Cold in the Lower Jiao, malignant boils, tinea and scabies.
  9. This herb can be used to cure hypochondriac lumps and to nourish the Stomach when Fluid Retention has been relieved.
  10. It is used for distention of the skin.
  11. Combining with Licorice Gan Cao increases its toxicity, although it is combined with Gan Cao for topical use.
  12. Yuan Hua, Rx. Kansui Gan Sui, and Rx. Knoxiae/Euphorbiae Pekinensis Jing Da Ji 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. Jing 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 Jing Da Ji and none should be used on weak patients.
    Vinegar Genkwa Cu Yuan Hua is less toxic and stronger at driving out water.