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Photo of Pokeberry Root

Pokeberry Root

商陆 · Shāng Lù

Practitioner-only herb for severe fluid swelling

Properties

CoolingCooling botanicalBitter

Concerns

Detox

What it does

Pokeberry root drives out severe fluid retention when gentler diuretics aren't enough. In TCM, it treats ascites, severe whole-body edema, urinary and bowel blockage, and topically resolves abscess swellings. Toxic, with documented cases of severe vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures from overdose.

How to take it

Drink

Used only by practitioners in tiny doses (3–9g processed). Topical use as poultice for abscesses is safer. Modern alternatives are far safer for edema.

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

Safety

  • Toxic. Severe gastrointestinal symptoms and seizures possible at standard doses
  • Strictly avoid during pregnancy. Strong abortifacient
  • Skip with weak digestion, low blood pressure, or dehydration
  • Modern medicine has safer diuretics for most edema
  • Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication

Where it comes from

Pokeberry (Phytolacca acinosa, the Chinese poke) is a perennial shrub native to East Asia, distinguished from American pokeweed but with similar toxicity. Both species contain phytolaccatoxin, which causes severe gastrointestinal damage at standard doses. In TCM, pokeberry root has been used for over 1,500 years for severe edema and ascites. Modern toxicology has tightly controlled its use.