Drastic Hydragogues
Yuan Hua (Lilac Daphne Flower Bud)
Naming
Yuan Hua (Flos Genkwa)——Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong’s Herbal)
The Processing of 芫花
Origin
The flower buds of Daphne genkwa Sieb. et Zucc. of family Thymelaeaceae.
Location
Mainly in Anhui, Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, etc. of China.
Harvest
Collected in spring before blossom.
The actual smell and taste
Light smell, sweet and slightly pungent taste.
Best quality
Flower bud in lilac or grayish purple without impurity.
Processing
Unprocessed or processed with Vinegar.
The Effect of 芫花
Property
Bitter, pungent, warm, toxic; large intestine, lung, and kidney meridians entered.
Actions
Drive out accumulated water, kill parasites and cure wound in topical application.
Indications
A. Hydrothorax, edema and tympanites
It has a similar but less drastic action compared with Gan Sui and Jing Da Ji, and is often combined with those two herbs to reinforce one another, as in Shi Zao Tang from Shang Han Lun. Because of the combined action of dispelling phlegm to relieve cough, it excels in discharging hydrothorax, especially in treating cough and asthma with profuse sputum and pain of chest and hypochondrium.
B. Scalp infection, neurodermatitis and abscess
It can kill parasites and cure wound when being used topically. For scalp infection, neurodermatitis and abscess, its fine powder is used alone or mixed with realgar powder and lard to make an ointment for topical application.
Dosage and Administrations
1.5~3 g used in decoction; 0.6 g used in powder or pill. Proper dosage is for topical administration. It should be processed with vinegar to weaken its toxins when taking orally.
Cautions
It is contraindicated to pregnancy and valetudinarian, and antagonistic to Gan Cao.
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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