Euphorbia, a TCM herb specific for Diarrhea

What is Euphorbia(Jing Da Ji)?
Euphorbia is a genus in family Euphorbiaceae, including more than 2,160 kinds of different species. As a matter of fact, Euphorbia is one of evergreen species that can be found in many places of the world, especially in tropical and subtropical area in America and Africa. And sometimes it grows in temperate zone too.

In TCM it refers to the roots of Euphorbia pekinensis RUpr., a perennial herb produced mainly in Jiangsu, Sichuan, Jiangxi, Guangxi and other places in China. Usually it reaches 30 to 80 cm high. The whole euphorbia plant contains white sap. Slender roots are in conical shape. Stems are erect, branching on the top, and covered with white pubescence. Single leaf is alternate, almost sessile, oblong or lanceolate, 3 to 6cm long, 6 to 12mm wide, entire at margin, and slightly glaucous below. Medicinal Euphorbia is harvested in late fall or early spring. After that, remove the residual stems and fibrous roots, dry in the sun, and prepare with vinegar or use in the raw form.

Euphorbia health benefits
Euphorbia pekinensis is a traditional Chinese herb, which was added in all versions of "Chinese Pharmacopoeia." In other words, it cures diseases and saves lives. And now let’s see what health benefits it can give to human being, conventionally and contemporarily.

Modern pharmacology
1. Its ether and hot water extract can stimulate the bowels and thus induce Diarrhea;

2. This herb excites the isolated pregnant uterine;

3. This herb dilates capillaries and resists the pressor effect of adrenaline;

4. Animal experiments showed that the compatibility with licorice root will increase its toxicity.