- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 700
Daphne genkwa
Herb · Asia
Genkwa flower (yuan hua)
Daphne genkwa
Traditionally attributed effects: was used as a strong fluid-draining remedy in chronic fluid accumulation in chest and abdomen.
Safety notes
Toxic or risky: only under expert supervision. Deliberately no dosage is given here. Not during pregnancy or with a weak constitution. Do not combine with licorice. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: Toxic: do not use yourself.
Preparation
Flower buds, prepared with vinegar. Deliberately no dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that drain downwards'. Yuan hua is one of the powerful, poisonous remedies that drain fluid downward, for fluid accumulation in the chest or abdomen. It is part of Shi Zao Tang, in which ten jujubes protect the stomach. Use only under expert supervision.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, warm
- Meridians
- lung, kidney, large intestine
Attributed effects
The book describes use in fluid accumulation, oedema and chronic phlegm in the chest, and externally for scabies and ringworm.
Preparation and amount
Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist. In the classical formula shi zao tang together with gan sui, euphorbia and ten jujubes.
Caution: Toxic: do not use yourself.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Syrup, honey and oxymel