Da Ji

Euphorbia pekinensis

Physical Characteristics

Euphorbia pekinensis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Diuretic Epilepsy Purgative Vasodilator Da Ji is classified as a toxic herb in Chinese medicine and so is only prescribed for relatively serious diseases[254]. It is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[218] and is used as a cathartic to purge excess fluids in conditions such as pleurisy and ascites and for the treatment of kidney problems, especially nephritis[254]. Research has shown that it is therapeutically useful in the treatment of ascites and nephritis, but it does produce significant side-effects[254]. It should only be used under the supervision of a qualified herbalist[254]. The root is antibacterial, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, purgative and vasodilator[176, 218, 238]. It is used in the treatment of oedema, fullness of the chest, sticky sputum, epilepsy, carbuncle and tubercle[176]. When used in conjunction with liquorice (Glycyrrhiza species) the diuretic and purgative actions are inhibited[176]. Another report says that the plant is incompatible with liquorice because it neutralizes their medicinal effects[254]. Externally, it is applied to inflamed sores to reduce swelling[254].

Known Hazards

The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material[200]. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature[214].