Genkwa
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Purgative Herbs for Drastic Hydragogue
Genkwa
Latin:
Flos Genkwa
Origin:
The flower bud of Daphne Genkwa Sieb. et Zucc., or Daphne fortunei (Lindl.), a deciduous shrub, of the family Thymelacaceae. Native to east Asia, it is grown along margins of paddy fields, on hillsides, valleys, plains, cliffs, boulders, almost everywhere in China and Korea.
, 百拇医药
The genkwa shrub grows to about 1.5 m by 1.5 m. It is in flower from April to May. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by bees, flies, moths and butterflies. The plant can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It requires moist soil.
In China, the plant is grown in the provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Sichuan, Shandong, etc. The herb is harvested before the flower blooms in spring. It is dried in the sun or baked until dry and used when raw or after being prepared with vinegar.
, 百拇医药
Also known as Lilac Daphne.
Properties:
Pungent and bitter in flavor, warm and toxic in nature, it is related to the lung, kidney and large intestine channels.
Functions:
Removes water retention by hydragogue, eliminates phlegm to relieve coughing and destroys parasites to alleviate skin and external diseases.
, 百拇医药
This plant has a history of herbal use going back over 3,500 years. It is commonly used in Chinese herbalism, where it is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs.
Applications:
1. Treats fluid retention in the chest and hypochondria (extreme depression), edema and tympanites (abdomen distension caused by accumulation of gas in the intestinal tract):
This herb has a hydragogue action similar to that of kansui (Radix Euphorbia Kansui) and knoxia root (Radix Knoxiae) but less powerful. It is better at purging the chest and hypochondria of excessive fluids and eliminating phlegm to relieve coughing. It is applicable to dyspnea (difficult respiration) with coughing and dull pain in the chest and hypochondria caused by fluid retention in the chest.
, 百拇医药
Use kansui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui) with knoxia root (Radix Knoxiae), e.g., Shi Zao Tang, Zhou Ju Wan, etc.
2. Treats head sores, tinea capitis (a fungal scalp infection with a crusting and scaly lesion of the scalp that can also be associated with localised hair loss) and intractable tinea (skin disease):
For external use, this herb can destroy parasites to relieve skin and external diseases.
, 百拇医药 To treat the above surgical diseases, this herb can be ground alone or together with realgar into fine powder and mixed with lard into soft extract for external application. In addition, it can be used to treat frostbite if it is decocted with licorice for external washing.
Dosage and Administration:
1.5-3 g.
Decoct this herb in water for drinking or include it in powder for oral administration. Use an adequate amount externally. It should be prepared with vinegar for oral administration in order to reduce its toxicity.
, 百拇医药
Cautions on Use:
This herb should be avoided by anyone with bodily weakness and by pregnant women. It is against licorice. The toxicity of the genkwa flower tends to increase if it is used together with licorice.
All parts of the plant are poisonous. Skin contact with the sap can cause dermatitis in some people.
Reference Materials:
, 百拇医药
'Shen Nong's Herbal Classic' :
"Treats coughing with dyspnea or dyspnea with wheezing sound in the throat."
'Other Medical Records of Famous Physicians' :
"Treats retention of excessive fluid, accumulation of phlegm in the hypochondria and hypochondriac pain."
"With their hydragogue and purgative properties, genkwa flower (Flos Genkwa), kansui (Radix Euphorbiae Kansui) and knoxia root (Radix Knoxiae) can extend their potency to the location where excessive fluid is accumulated, but they can only be used little by little. However, they can give very rapid effects. The dose should not be excessive, or one may be purged of genuine qi. The genkwa flower is good if it has been reserved for as long as several years. Bring it to boil in good vinegar for scores of times of use, remove vinegar, soak it overnight in water, dry it in the sun and in this way its toxicity will be eliminated. It will give a similar but inferior effect to that of parching the flower with vinegar."
, 百拇医药
Toxic or Side Effects:
It should be prepared with vinegar for oral administration in order to reduce its toxicity.
Modern Researches:
The herb contains genkwanin, hydroxygenkwanin, yuanhuacin, apiolin, sitosterol, benzoic acid, etc.
The decoction has a diuretic effect. Apiolin and apigenin manifest an obvious antineoplastic activity on P388 lymphocytic leukemia. The genkwa flower also has tranquilizing, anticoagulant, antiseptic, antiviral, diuretic, purgative, stomachic, antitussive and expectorant effects. The toxicity of the genkwa flower tends to increase if it is used together with licorice.
, 百拇医药
The alcohol or water extract of the genkwa flower prepared with vinegar can inhibit klebsiella pneumoniae, hemolytic streptococcus and Bacillus influenzae. The water infusion can inhibit such dermatomyces as Porrigo lupinosa, large spores, rust sporules and stellar dermatomyces.
The root is abortifacient, anticoagulant, diuretic, purgative and vesicant., http://www.100md.com