Kuojinban, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is the root bark and leaves of the plant Euphorbia lunulata. Kuojinban grows in ditches, riverbanks, and damp forests. It is mainly found in Guizhou and Yunnan provinces. Water yellow flower, which is the active component of Kuojinban, has diuretic properties. It is used to treat edema, bloating, and itching caused by scabies. Let's learn more about it on the Traditional Chinese Medicine website!
[Botanical Description of Kuojinban]
Euphorbia lunulata
It is a perennial herb that grows up to 30-80 cm tall. It has a thick rhizome and an upright stem that branches out at the base and turns red in autumn. The leaves are alternate, narrow-oblong in shape, measuring 3.5-7 cm long and 6-12 mm wide, with a blunt apex and a narrow base. The margin of the leaves is entire.
The inflorescence is a polygamous umbel, usually with 5 umbel peduncles in an umbrella shape. The bracts are ovate-oblong and pale yellow in color. Each umbel peduncle has 3 smaller umbel peduncles, with 3 bracts at the base that are narrowly ovate in shape. The third order umbel peduncle emerges from the smaller umbel peduncle, with 4 cup-shaped bracts that resemble petals and are yellow in color.
[Habitat and Distribution]
Kuojinban grows in ditches, riverbanks, and damp forests. It is mainly found in Guizhou and Yunnan provinces.
[Usage and Dosage of Kuojinban]
Internal use: Decoction, 1-3 qian (3-9 grams); or powdered and made into pills or powders. External use: Crushed and applied as a poultice or mixed with other ingredients for external application.
