Chinese medicine Ku Tan Zi, when used externally, can disperse stasis and reduce swelling, and treat injuries from falls and blows. When taken internally, it can treat malnutrition in children and excessive sweating due to physical weakness. What precautions should be taken when using Ku Tan Zi?
Picture of Ku Tan Zi
[Prescriptions Using Ku Tan Zi to Treat Diseases]
①Treatment of worm infections, scabies, and ringworm: Ku Tan Zi, Huajiao, Ku Shen, Li Lu, Huang Lian, Du Jiao Lian. Grind them together and mix with fragrant oil for topical use. (Sichuan Chinese Medicine Records)
②Treatment of pain caused by qi stagnation: Grind the fruit of Ku Tan Zi into powder, take three to five grams each time, and drink with hot water. (Guizhou Folk Medicine)
③Treatment of malnutrition in children: Take five grams of Ku Tan Zi fruit (roasted and preserved). Eat it with steamed chicken liver or grind it into water and drink. (Guizhou Folk Medicine)
[Description of Ku Tan Zi]
Appearance: The seeds are flat and slightly kidney-shaped, attached to both ends of the pod. One side is round, and the other side is flat; the seeds in the middle of the pod are flat on both sides. They are about 4cm long and 3cm thick.
The surface is reddish-brown to blackish-brown, shiny, or with a grayish-white film. The hilum is located in the middle of the waist depression.
Picture of Ku Tan Zi
The cotyledons are two, thick, horny, and easily longitudinally split; there are irregular protrusions near the hilum, causing the cotyledons to split longitudinally and unevenly.
The smell is faint, and the taste is mild, followed by a tingling sensation. It is best to choose those with reddish-brown skin, large size, and no insect damage.
[Precautions When Using Ku Tan Zi]
Because Ku Tan Zi is highly toxic, it is often used externally, and oral administration should be cautious.
Symptoms of poisoning: vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, dry mucous membranes, rapid breathing, confusion, and initial excitement followed by paralysis of the nerves.
Rescue methods: gastric lavage is considered in the early stage, and symptomatic treatment such as lubricants and fluid replacement is given.
However, in Yunnan Simao, the root of this herb was mashed and juiced, and the juice was taken orally in the amount of 2-3 qian (Chinese unit of weight), and it was found to be effective in treating acute gastroenteritis. It can be tried under strict observation if conditions permit.
