Zeqi (泽漆) (Substitute: Kai Kou Jian/开/箭)
Zeqi (泽漆) Slices
【Naming】
【Source】
Lower Grade of the Classic of Herbal Medicine
【Commonly Used Degree】
E
【Botanical Origin】
The whole plant of Euphorbia helioscopia L., a plant of the Euphorbiaceae family.
【Characteristics】
The dried whole plant is cut into sections, sometimes with yellowish fleshy taproots. The top of the root has tight concentric rings, and the surface has irregular longitudinal lines. The cross-section is white, and the xylem is radial. The stem is cylindrical, bright yellow to yellowish-brown, smooth on the surface or with inconspicuous longitudinal lines, and has obvious alternate, brown, strip-shaped leaf scars. The leaves are dark green, often shrunken, broken or fallen off. The top of the stem has many small flowers and gray capsules. It has a sour and peculiar odor and a bland taste.
【Identification】
The dried plant without roots is preferred.
【Category】
Whole Herb