What are the effects and uses of Euphorbia antiquorum?

Feb 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Firethorn, a Chinese herbal medicine, is the leaf of the Euphorbiaceae plant species known as金刚纂 (Euphorbia neriifolia). Generally, Firethorn has various effects and uses, including nourishing kidney yang, promoting diuresis and reducing edema, activating blood circulation to relieve swelling, enhancing digestion, and exerting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Consultation with a physician is recommended before use. Firethorn enters the kidney meridian and demonstrates functions of tonifying the kidney and enhancing sexual function.

Euphorbia leaf, a name for a traditional Chinese medicine, is the leaf of the Euphorbiaceae plant Euphorbia neriifolia. Generally speaking, Euphorbia leaf has functions and effects including nourishing kidney and strengthening yang, promoting diuresis and reducing edema, activating blood circulation to reduce swelling, improving digestion, and anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. If needed for use, it is recommended to consult a physician first. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Nourishing Kidney and Strengthening Yang

Euphorbia leaf enters the kidney meridian and has the effect of nourishing the kidney and enhancing yang, which is related to its function of nourishing the kidney and enhancing sexual function. For symptoms caused by kidney deficiency such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, and seminal emission or premature ejaculation, moderate consumption of Euphorbia leaf soaked in wine or cooked in soup may provide certain improvement effects.

2. Promoting Diuresis and Reducing Edema

Euphorbia leaf has a certain osmotic diuretic effect, which can increase the rate at which the kidneys excrete water. It is suitable for treating symptoms such as edema and abdominal distension caused by dampness. It can be used in combination with other traditional Chinese herbs like Plantago asiatica seeds and Poria to regulate the condition.

3. Activating Blood Circulation and Reducing Swelling

Some chemical components in Euphorbia leaf can promote blood circulation and eliminate local tissue edema. It can be used as an adjunctive treatment for bruises, sprains, etc., usually applied externally by crushing and applying it to the injured area.

4. Promoting Digestion

Euphorbia leaf contains a large amount of dietary fiber, which can promote intestinal peristalsis, prevent constipation, help maintain intestinal health, and promote the absorption of nutrients. In addition, Euphorbia leaf can stimulate gastric acid secretion and improve digestive function.

5. Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects

Some active ingredients in Euphorbia leaf have significant anti-inflammatory effects, which can reduce inflammatory responses and relieve pain. It has certain adjuvant therapeutic effects on diseases such as arthritis and muscle pain.

Although Euphorbia leaf has various benefits, it is not suitable for all populations, especially pregnant and lactating women should use it cautiously.

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