Drastic Hydragogues
Ba Dou: Chinese Herb Guide
Naming
Ba Dou (Purging Croton Fruit)
The Effect of Ba Dou
Property
Pungent, hot, toxic, stomach, large intestine, and lung meridians entered.
Actions
Remove cold accumulation with drastic purgative; expel water and alleviate edema; dispel phlegm and relieve sore throat; corrode wound and kill parasites.
Indications
Constipation due to accumulation of cold; milk and food stagnancy; hydroperitoneum and tympanites; throat obstruction and phlegm stagnation; abscess before diabrosis; scabies, tinea and malignant ulcer.
Dosage and Administrations
0.1～0.3 g, used in powder or pill after frostbitten, proper dose is for topical use.
Cautions
It is contraindicated to the pregnant women and valetudinarian, and is incompatible with Qian Niu Zi.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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