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Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix (Daji)

Bitter, sweet; cold to very cold; slightly toxic. Primarily treats gu poison (parasitic poisoning), twelve types of edema (shiershui), abdominal distension with acute pain and accumulations, skin pain due to wind-stroke, vomiting and regurgitation, carbuncles and swellings in the neck and axilla, headache; induces sweating, promotes urination and bowel movements. Also known as Qiongju. Grows in Changshan. Harvest roots in the twelfth lunar month, dry in shade. (Incompatible with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma [Gancao].)

Tao Hongjing stated: It is found everywhere along nearby roads. It is extremely common and cheap. Ministers Yuxi et al. carefully noted according to *Tang Bencao*: It fears Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu), Phragmitis Rhizoma (Lugao), and rat urine. *Shu Bencao* and *Tujing Bencao* record: The seedling resembles Euphorbiae Kansui Radix (Gansui), tall and robust; leaves contain white latex; flowers are yellow. The root resembles Sophorae Flavescentis Radix (Xiku Shen); bark is yellow-black, flesh is yellow-white. Harvest seedlings in the fifth lunar month, harvest roots in the second and eighth lunar months for use. *Erya* states: Qiao, i.e., Qiongju. The annotation states: This is the Daji in current materia medica. *Yaoxing Lun* states: Daji acts as an assistant or envoy herb. Incompatible with Genkwanis Radix (Yuanhua) and Sargassum (Haizao); its toxicity is resolved by Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu). Bitter, pungent; highly toxic. Breaks down new and old blood stasis, expels evil blood and masses, causes rumbling in the abdomen, regulates menstruation, excels at treating blood stasis, can induce abortion. Ri Huazi stated: Adzuki Bean (Xiaodou) acts as its guide; it dislikes Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shuyu). It purges toxic substances, clears Tianxing jaundice, warm malaria, and breaks down fixed masses.

*Tujing Bencao* states: Daji is the root of Phyllanthi Defini Herba (Zeqi). It grows in Changshan and is now abundant along nearby roads. In spring, red buds emerge, gradually growing into clumps about one chi high. Leaves resemble small clusters of young willow shoots. In March and April, yellow-purple flowers bloom, round like apricot blossoms, resembling Meliosmae Fructus (Wuyi). The root resembles Sophorae Flavescentis Radix (Xiku Shen); bark is yellow-black, flesh is yellow-white. Harvest roots in autumn and winter, dry in shade. Those from Huaidian have round stems, three to four chi high, yellow flowers, and leaf centers resembling Polygonati Rhizoma (Bahe) seedlings. Those growing in Jiangnan have leaves resembling Paeoniae Radix Rubra (Shaoyao). Physicians use it to treat hidden rashes and wind-pathogens, as well as wind-toxic swollen feet, and boil water for hot strangury; taking it multiple times a day leads to recovery. Li Jiang's *Bingbu Shouji Fang*: Treats water diseases, regardless of duration; even if the pulse is unfavorable, it is indicated. Daji, Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Jupi), each one da liang, chopped; decoct in two da sheng of water until seven he remains; take in one dose. It will promote the discharge of two to three dou of water; do not be surprised. For severe cases, no more than one additional dose is needed for improvement. Avoid toxic foods for one year; after water recedes, continue taking it to prevent recurrence permanently. This prescription comes from Zhang Shangke.

Lei Gong stated: When using, do not use fresh/raw material. If taken and causes cold diarrhea with inability to retain qi, resolve it by decocting Descurainiae Semen Lepidii Semens (Qizi) soup. After harvesting, finely chop on a locust wood cutting board, mix with finely chopped Arisaematis Cum Bile (Haiyu Ye - note: text says Haiyu leaf, likely referring to a specific preparation context or typo for another herb, but translated literally as Arisaema leaf), steam from Si hour to Shen hour, remove the Arisaema leaves, dry in the sun for use. *Taishang Badi Xuanbian Jing* states that Daji inevitably causes purgation.