Skip to content
Cura x Cura

Shu Qi蜀漆

Dichroae Folium · Dichroa Leaf

Herbs that Induce Vomiting 涌吐药Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing 《神农本草经》

Overview

The young shoot and leaf of the same plant that gives Chang Shan, listed in the textbook as its appended herb. Its nature and its two actions are the root's, but the leaf vomits harder, so the dose is smaller. It appears in the Han-dynasty formula record and then almost nowhere: modern pharmacies do not stock it, and no current clinical situation calls for it. It is kept here as part of the classical record rather than as an option for treatment.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, bitter · Warm · Toxic

Channels

Lung · Liver · Heart

Typical Dosage

The classical record puts it at roughly 3–6 g in decoction — below the root, because the leaf is the stronger emetic. In practice it is not dispensed.
蜀漆Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Induces vomiting of phlegmThe same use as Chang Shan and more forceful: phlegm held in the chest, and phlegm-obstruction patterns with mania or seizure in the classical texts.
  • Interrupts malarial paroxysmsRecorded for the fixed-cycle chills and fever of malaria, given before the expected attack. It survives mainly as an ingredient in Han-dynasty formulas rather than as a herb in current use.
  • Relation to Chang ShanRoot and leaf are not interchangeable by weight. The leaf is warmer and the emetic effect comes on faster and harder, so a Chang Shan dose given as Shu Qi is an overdose.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Shu Qi

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

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Phlegm lodged in the chest (classical emetic use)
    - Phlegm-obstruction mania and seizure (classical)
    - Malarial chills and fever (classical; obsolete)

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

MalariaInduced emesis

Contraindications

Cautions

Toxic, and more violently emetic than Chang Shan. Everything said of Chang Shan applies with less margin: severe nausea and vomiting are certain, abdominal pain is common, and larger amounts risk gastrointestinal bleeding, dizziness and circulatory collapse. It is not for weak, elderly, dehydrated or bleeding patients, or for children. This herb is essentially obsolete — it is neither stocked nor prescribed in ordinary practice, and nothing about it should be attempted outside a licensed practitioner's direct supervision.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy — toxic, and forced vomiting endangers the pregnancy.

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.