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Jing Da Ji京大戟

Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix · Peking Spurge Root

Downward-Draining Herbs 泻下药《神农本草经》

Overview

The root of Euphorbia pekinensis, and the spurge half of a pair of unrelated drugs sold under the name Da Ji. Bitter, cold and toxic, it stands with Gan Sui and Yuan Hua among the harsh water-expelling purgatives — the three are combined in the classical Shi Zao Tang 十枣汤 — draining accumulated fluid out through stool and urine, and dispersing swollen glands and nodules.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter · Cold · Toxic

Channels

Lung · Spleen · Kidney

Typical Dosage

1.5–3 g in decoction
京大戟Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Drives out water and thin mucusSevere edema and abdominal fluid distension, and fluid congesting the chest and flanks; the fluid is expelled through both stool and urine.
  • Reduces swelling, disperses nodulesScrofulous neck nodules, phlegm lumps and toxic sores — commonly the powdered raw root applied externally.
  • Two drugs, one nameHong Da Ji 红大戟, a madder-family tuber, is dispensed under the same trade name but is less toxic, less purgative and better at dispersing nodules. They are not interchangeable, and a prescription should state which is intended.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Jing Da Ji

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Severe edema and abdominal fluid accumulation in an excess pattern
    - Fluid congestion of the chest and flanks with fullness and pain
    - Scrofulous nodules and phlegm lumps
    - Externally, on toxic sores and swellings

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

AscitesPleural effusionEdemaLymphadenopathy

Contraindications

Cautions

Toxic and harshly purgative. Overdose causes burning of the mouth and throat, nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain and watery diarrhea, dehydration, and in serious poisoning collapse; the raw drug also irritates skin on contact. The pharmacopoeia ceiling is 3 g per day in decoction, or 1 g per dose in pills and powder, of the vinegar-processed root — raw Jing Da Ji is for external use only. Classical incompatibility: it is never combined with Gan Cao 甘草, so the whole prescription must be checked, not only the immediate pairing. Contraindicated in weak, deficient, elderly and dehydrated patients. Never used as self-medication.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy — it can bring on miscarriage; avoid while breastfeeding as well

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.