- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 699
Euphorbia kansui
Herb · Asia
Kansui root (gan sui)
Euphorbia kansui
Traditionally attributed effects: was used as a very strong fluid-draining purgative for fluid in chest and abdomen.
Safety notes
Toxic or risky: only under expert supervision. Deliberately no dosage is given here. Not during pregnancy or with weakness. 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 and very strongly purgative: do not use yourself. Ascites and fluid around the lungs require medical treatment.
Preparation
Root, prepared. Deliberately no dosage is given here.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that drain downwards'. Gan sui is one of the strongest and most poisonous remedies for draining fluid through the bowels, for ascites and fluid accumulation. It is used only processed with vinegar and 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
- bitter, cold
- Meridians
- lung, spleen, kidney, large intestine
Attributed effects
The book describes use in ascites, oedema and fluid accumulation in chest and abdomen, and externally for hot ulcers and abscesses.
Preparation and amount
Deliberately no dosage is given here: only under the supervision of a qualified therapist.
Caution: Toxic and very strongly purgative: do not use yourself. Ascites and fluid around the lungs require medical treatment.