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Photo of Caper Euphorbia Powder

Caper Euphorbia Powder

千金子霜 · Qiān Jīn Zǐ Shuāng

Defatted form of caper euphorbia seed

Properties

WarmingWarming botanicalPungent

Concerns

Detox

What it does

Caper euphorbia seed powder is the processed, defatted form of caper euphorbia seed. The high-fat content of the raw seed drives most of its harshness, so processing reduces the worst irritation while keeping the purgative effect. It's used for the same indications: severe edema, ascites, and stubborn fluid. Still toxic, still practitioner-prescribed.

How to take it

Capsule

Used only by practitioners in tiny doses (0.5–1g) of the defatted powder. Slightly safer than raw seed but still potent. Single-dose use only.

Avoid self-use. Modern diuretics are far safer for most edema

Safety

  • Still toxic, even after defatting. Practitioner-controlled use only
  • Strictly avoid during pregnancy
  • Skip with weak digestion, low blood pressure, or dehydration
  • Modern medicine has safer diuretics for most edema patterns
  • Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication

Where it comes from

Processing herbs to reduce toxicity is a craft in TCM, with techniques varying by botanical. For caper euphorbia seed, the method involves crushing seeds and pressing out the irritating oils, leaving a defatted powder called 'shuāng' (frost). The same processing is used for croton seed and produces similar gentling. The processed form is preferred over raw seed in classical formulas where practitioners want potency without the worst side effects.