Lilac Daphne Bud
芫花 · Yuán Huā
Practitioner-only herb for severe fluid overload
Properties
WarmingWarming botanicalBitter, Pungent
Concerns
What it does
Lilac daphne bud drains severe fluid overload like ascites and pleural effusion when gentler diuretics aren't enough. In TCM, it transforms water and resolves stuck phlegm, used for stubborn cough with profuse phlegm and chronic bronchitis. It also kills surface parasites in tinea. Toxic, so it's strictly practitioner-prescribed and processed.
How to take it
Used only by practitioners in tiny doses (1.5–3g) of vinegar-processed buds, decocted with other herbs. Single-dose use only. Modern alternatives are far safer.
Avoid self-use. Modern diuretics are safer for most edema
Safety
- Toxic. Severe gastrointestinal damage at standard doses
- Strictly avoid during pregnancy. Strong abortifacient effect
- Skip if you have weak digestion or are dehydrated
- Modern medicine has safer diuretics for most edema
- Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication
Where it comes from
Daphne genkwa is a small flowering shrub native to China, with bright lilac-purple buds that are harvested before they bloom. The Chinese name Yuán Huā has been documented since the Han Dynasty in the Shén Nóng Běn Cǎo Jīng, where it was already classified as 'lower category' due to its toxicity. Modern TCM uses it sparingly, typically processed with vinegar to reduce harshness. Its main classical use was for severe ascites that wouldn't respond to safer herbs.