Pinyin: Langdu
Aliases
Bai Lang Du, Huang Pi Lang Du, Mao Yan Jing.
Source
Euphorbiaceae plant *Euphorbia fischeriana*Euphorbia fischerianaDried root of Steud.
Botanical Description
Perennial herb, 30-60 cm tall. Plant body contains white latex. Root fleshy, long conical, outer bark reddish-brown or brown. Stem erect, solitary, sparsely covered with white pubescence, especially at nodes. Leaves alternate; nearly sessile; 3-5 leaves whorled above the middle of the stem; leaf blade oblong. Inflorescence a many-branched cyme, terminal, usually with 5 rays, each ray producing 3 branchlets or further 3-4 small branchlets; involucre cup-shaped, pubescent outside, nearly glabrous inside, margin ciliate, glands 4, kidney-shaped. Involucre contains numerous male flowers, each with only 1 stamen; 1 female flower in the center of the involucre, with only 1 pistil, often protruding and drooping, ovary 3-locular, styles 3, stigmas 2-lobed. Capsule densely short-pubescent or glabrous. Flowering period May-June, fruiting period June-July.
Habitat and Distribution
Born in meadows and sunny hillsides. Distributed in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Henan, Shanxi, and other regions.
Harvesting and Processing
Spring and autumn are the two seasons for harvesting, wash clean, slice, and sun-dry.
Properties
Root is in round or oblong block slices, diameter 1.5-8 cm, thickness 0.3-4 cm. Outer bark brownish-yellow, cut surface shows blackish-brown grain or ring lines. Sticky after soaking in water, tearing reveals sticky threads. Odor: faint; Taste: slightly pungent.
Chemical Constituents
This product contains lupenol, fischeriana A, and fischeriana B.
Pharmacology
Has antitumor, maggot-killing, and mosquito larvae-eliminating effects.
Properties and Channel Entry
Acrid, neutral; toxic. Enters the Liver and Spleen channels.
Functions and Indications
Dissipates nodules, kills parasites. For external use on lymph node tuberculosis and skin tinea; also used to kill maggots.
Usage
External use: apply an appropriate amount, grind into powder or prepare as an ointment for rubbing or applying as a compress. Internal use: decoct 1-2.4 g after processing, or incorporate into pills or powders.
Precautions and Contraindications
This product is toxic and should be used with caution; it is contraindicated during pregnancy. It should not be used together with Lithargyrum (Mi Tuo Seng).
Prescriptions
1. For dry and wet scabies: fresh Langdu (Stellera chamaejasme), mashed, mixed with raw lard, wrapped in cloth and applied to the affected area. (Anhui Herbal Medicine) 2. For stubborn tinea: Langdu (Stellera chamaejasme), ground into fine powder, mixed with cottonseed oil or vinegar and applied to the affected area. (Anhui Herbal Medicine) 3. For psoriasis and neurodermatitis: Langdu (Stellera chamaejasme), boiled into a paste, applied externally once every other day. (National Compilation of Chinese Herbal Medicine)
