Shang Lu
Phytolacca acinosa Roxb.
☯ TCM Properties
Drains Water and Reduces Edema; Promotes Bowel and Urinary Movement; Resolves Toxicity and Dissipates Nodules
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Phytolacca acinosa (Asian pokeweed, Indian pokeweed) is a robust herbaceous perennial in the Phytolaccaceae family, growing 0.7-1.5 m tall from a thick, fleshy, often forking white taproot that may exceed 30 cm in length. The smooth, often reddish-tinged, ribbed stems bear alternate, ovate to elliptic-lanceolate, entire leaves 10-30 cm long with prominent venation. Small greenish-white to pinkish flowers about 6-8 mm across are borne in erect, dense terminal racemes 10-20 cm long, each flower with five tepals and 8-10 carpels. The fruit is a dark purple-black, depressed-globose, segmented berry resembling a tiny pumpkin. The whole plant, especially the root, is toxic, containing triterpene saponins and the mitogen phytolaccatoxin (POWO; Wikipedia).
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Ma Qian Zi (nux vomica seed) is an extremely toxic herb used exclusively under strict professional supervision, reserved for intractable conditions such as severe joint obstruction, paralysis, facial nerve palsy, and hard swellings or abscesses. Even tiny doses can cause severe central nervous system toxicity, so it is always carefully processed to reduce toxicity and used only in the smallest effective amounts. It should never be self-administered.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.