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Common Name: Da Ji

General Information

Euphorbia pekinensis is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.60 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine..

Known Hazards

The sap contains a latex which is toxic on ingestion and highly irritant externally, causing photosensitive skin reactions and severe inflammation, especially on contact with eyes or open cuts. The toxicity can remain high even in dried plant material[]. Prolonged and regular contact with the sap is inadvisable because of its carcinogenic nature[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Manchuria.

Habitat

Grassy places in lowland and mountains, C. and S. Japan[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.60 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. It is a polymorphic species[]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a light well-drained moderately rich loam in an open position[]. Succeeds in dry soils[].
Hybridizes with other members of this genus[]. The ripe seed is released explosively from the seed capsules[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[].
This genus has been singled out as a potential source of latex (for making rubber) for the temperate zone, although no individual species has been singled out[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Da Ji is classified as a toxic herb in Chinese medicine and so is only prescribed for relatively serious diseases[]. It is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs[] and is used as a cathartic to purge excess fluids in conditions such as pleurisy and ascites and for the treatment of kidney problems, especially nephritis[]. Research has shown that it is therapeutically useful in the treatment of ascites and nephritis, but it does produce significant side-effects[]. It should only be used under the supervision of a qualified herbalist[].
The root is antibacterial, diuretic, emetic, emmenagogue, purgative and vasodilator[, , ]. It is used in the treatment of oedema, fullness of the chest, sticky sputum, epilepsy, carbuncle and tubercle[]. When used in conjunction with liquorice (Glycyrrhiza species) the diuretic and purgative actions are inhibited[]. Another report says that the plant is incompatible with liquorice because it neutralizes their medicinal effects[]. Externally, it is applied to inflamed sores to reduce swelling[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.