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Datong (alias for Phytolaccae Radix), promotes water metabolism and moves qi to reduce swelling.
Bitter, cold, toxic. (Previous authorities considered it acrid or sour; Li Shizhen considered it bitter and cold).
The nature is heavy and descending, acting on the lower part, with effects similar to Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix (Daji) and Kansui Radix (Gansui).
Treats edema and distension (Swelling belongs to Spleen disorders, distension belongs to Liver disorders. In swelling, yang qi still circulates; if there is only distension without swelling, it is called Drum Distension [Gu Zhang], caused by Liver wood overacting on Spleen earth, which is difficult to treat. If swelling/distension is better in the morning and worse in the evening, it indicates Blood deficiency; if severe both morning and evening, it indicates Qi and Blood dual deficiency. If swelling spreads from the heart/abdomen to the four limbs, it is auspicious; if it spreads from the four limbs into the heart/abdomen, it is critical. For men, progression from below upwards is difficult to treat; for women, progression from above downwards is difficult to treat).
Treats masses (Zha Jia), hernias, and carbuncles/swellings.
Treats obstruction of the throat (Hou Bi) (Thinly sliced and stir-fried with vinegar, applied to the throat for good effect), and diseases caused by damp-heat pathogens.
Drains out Gu poison, applies to malignant sores, induces abortion, and causes hallucinations of seeing spirits.
Use the white flowers and roots (Red ones harm humans and can only be used for umbilical application; mix with 3 fen of Moschus [Shexiang], pound into paste, and apply; when urination becomes smooth, swelling subsides). Soak in Black Bean Decoction, steam, and use.
Works well with Allium Sativum (Suan, Garlic).

Datong (alias for Genkwanis Flos/Yuanhua), promotes water metabolism and removes fluid retention and phlegm accumulation.
Treats five types of water accumulations in the five Zang organs and skin, manifesting as distension, fullness, wheezing, urgency, pain radiating to the chest and hypochondrium, cough, and malarial patterns (The "five waters" refer to Wind Water, Skin Water, Correct Water, Stone Water, and Yellow Sweat. When water accumulates in the chest, hard and full like a stone, it is called Stone Water. When sweat resembles cypress juice, it is called Yellow Sweat; if not cured for a long time, it will inevitably lead to carbuncle and pus. Li Shizhen stated: Zhang Zhongjing treated Taiyang syndrome in Shanghan, where the exterior pattern was unresolved, water was retained in the epigastrium causing cough, dry retching, fever, or possibly wheezing or diarrhea; Xiao Qing Long Tang was primarily used. When the exterior pattern was resolved, accompanied by occasional headache, sweating, aversion to cold, water retained in the epigastrium, dry retching, pain radiating to both hypochondria, or possibly wheezing or cough; Shi Zao Tang was primarily used. Essentially, Xiao Qing Long Tang disperses exterior pathogens, allowing water to exit via sweat, which corresponds to "opening the ghost gates" in Nei Jing; Shi Zao Tang purges interior pathogens, allowing water to exit via urine and feces, corresponding to "cleaning the bladder and removing old accumulation" in Nei Jing. Shi Zao Tang consists of equal parts Yuanhua, Gansui, and Daji, with ten dates).
Leaves resemble willow leaves; purple-green flowers bloom in February; leaves emerge before flowers fall. Older stored material is superior. Boil with vinegar, soak in water, and sun-dry before use. The root treats scabies and can be used to poison fish.
Incompatible with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) (Litigants would rub the leaves on the skin to cause redness and swelling, feigning injury to falsely accuse others).