Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Euphorbia pekinensis

Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: Toxic plant in raw form: the root must be prepared (cooked in vinegar) according to traditional methods before any use, which reduces but does not completely eliminate its toxicity. Never use without supervision of a qualified practitioner in traditional Chinese medicine or a healthcare professional: risk of severe digestive disorders, violent diarrhea, and dehydration. Contraindicated during pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children, the elderly or weakened individuals, as well as in cases of digestive weakness or kidney disease. The fresh latex of the plant is irritating to skin and mucous membranes; never apply to eyes or ingest without proper processing.

Prepared decoction (cooked root) — Root

Treated root decoction

In Chinese tradition, the root is first cooked with vinegar or simmered for a long time to reduce its toxicity, then used in small quantities in compound decoctions. This preparation requires specialized expertise and should only be performed by a trained herbalist. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Poultice — Fresh crushed root

External poultice

The fresh root was crushed then applied locally in a thin layer on the affected area, for a limited time, in folk tradition. This external application also requires caution due to its irritant potential. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

This plant is not cultivated in Europe for traditional use purposes; it is mainly found in dried and prepared root form in certain pharmacies specializing in traditional Chinese medicine, always reserved for supervised use.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

In China, the root is traditionally harvested in autumn, when the aerial part has dried, before being subjected to its mandatory preparation.

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