Wiseman’s Chinese Medical Database

shāng lù / 商陆 / 商陸 / phytolacca [root];

Latin pharmacognostic name: Phytolaccae Radix

Alternate English names: pokeweed root

Alternate Chinese names: 当陆 dāng lù; 章柳根 zhāng liǔ gēn

Origin: Plant

Use: medicinal

Category: Draining-precipitant agents / Drastic water-expelling agents

Properties: Bitter; cold; toxic.

Channel entry: lung, spleen, kidney, and large intestine channels.

Indications:

• Precipitates and disinhibits water: Water swelling and drum distension.
• Disperses swelling, disperses binds, and resolves toxin: Toxin swelling of welling-abscesses and sores.

Dosage & Method:

Oral: 5–10g in decoctions; also used externally.

Warning:

This agent is toxic; it is contraindicated in conditions of vacuity and in pregnancy.

Quality:

Best are large white slices with annular markings and farinaceous texture.

Product Area:

Hénán, Guǎngxī.