Yuan Hua芫花
Flos GenkwaGenkwa Flower
- Toxic
Also known asDaphne · Lilac Daphne Flower · Daphnis Genkwa · Bottleneck
- Category
- Harsh Expellants (Cathartics)
- Nature
- warm
- Taste
- bitter, pungent
- Channels entered
- Kidney, Large Intestine, Lung
- Secondary channels
- Spleen
- Dosage
- 1.5–3 g
Usual doses
- Dosage
- 1.5–3 g
- Powder
- 1.5–3 g
- Tincture
- 0.1–1 ml
Actions & indications
- 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
- As a toxic substance, it should be reserved for ascites or other Excess-type conditions and used only briefly.
- Contraindicated in pregnancy.
- Use cautiously in weak patients.
Incompatibilities
Incompatible with Rx. Glycyrrhizae Gan Cao.
Combinations
Fluid accumulation in the chest
Enhances its carminative action while protecting the Spleen and Stomach
Applied topically for tinea
Notes
- Toxicity presents with tremors and dyspnea.
- It should be used only briefly.
- This herb acts on the upper Jiao.
- It has been shown to inhibit cancer cell growth.
- It eliminates Phlegm and fluid retention from the chest.
- The medicinal part is the plant's dried bud, leaf, or root.
- A thread soaked in a decoction of this herb, tied around a hemorrhoid or tumor, can cause it to fall off.
- It is also indicated for lumbago from Cold in the Lower Jiao, malignant boils, tinea, and scabies.
- It can treat hypochondriac lumps and nourish the Stomach once Fluid Retention has resolved.
- It is used for skin distention.
- Combining it with Licorice Gan Cao increases its toxicity, though the pairing is used topically.
- Yuan Hua, Rx. Kansui Gan Sui, and Rx. Knoxiae/Euphorbiae Pekinensis Jing Da Ji are all powerful, harsh expellants used for severe edema and chest and abdominal accumulations; all are toxic and restricted to short-term use, and are often combined to strengthen the effect. Jing Da Ji drains water and Dampness from within the organs, Gan Sui mobilizes water and Dampness within the channels and collaterals, and Yuan Hua tends to drain Phlegm and thin mucus from the chest and Lungs. All three are markedly toxic, Jing Da Ji especially so, and none should be given to weak patients. Vinegar Genkwa Cu Yuan Hua is less toxic and more effective at expelling water.