Euphorbia lathyris, Caper Spurge

Qian Jin Zi 千金子

Garden Spurge, Caper Spurge
Cataputra minoris, Tithymalus, Tithymali latifolii, Lathyridis majoris, Granum Regis, Sponsa Solis
Qian Jin Zi (TCM)

Euphorbia lathyris
Krauterbuch Erdgewachs Destillierbuch, Eucharius, 1533

Euphorbia lathyris
Fuchs, L., New Kreüterbuch (1543)

Euphorbia lathyris
Flora von Deutschland (20), Kohler, 1885

Botanical name:

Euphorbia lathyris (syn. E. spongiosa, E. decussata, Cataputia vulgaris, Tithymalus cataputia)

Parts used:

Dried Ripe Seed (West, TCM)

Temperature & Taste:

Very Warm, dry. Pungent. Toxic

Uses:

1. Purges Phlegm and Water:
-Edema, Ascites, Oliguria, Constipation (West, TCM)
-abdominal distention from fluid accumulation
-in traditional Western practice it was used to purge Phlegm, Bile and Melancholy from the Lungs, Stomach, Liver
-traditionally used to induce vomiting (West)

2. Moves the Blood, Clears Stasis:
-Amenorrhea from Blood stasis

3. Externally:
-Ringworm, Warts; fresh juice applied to Warts and skin growths is strongest.
-the oil in which the herb was boiled was used externally for Quotidian Fever (classically, West)
-decoction is a depilatory
-decocted oil was also used topically for Paralysis from Cold and Damp

Dose:

500mg–1 gram of the ‘frost’ (seed with shell and oil removed) (Chinese Pharmacopoeia)
In the West, 5–10 grains of the Seed. Salmon said the dose was 10 seeds; 12–14 of the seeds purging and vomiting violently.
Of the Prepared, dried Milky juice: 3–6 grains
The distilled water was used as a better way of taking, in doses of 2–3 oz.

Correctives:

General correctives for the Spurges include:
1. Spikenard, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Mastic
2. To relieve the fiery, burning quality, Tragacanth, Bdellium Purslane juice
3. To prevent inflaming the Stomach, with Black Nightshade, Endive, Purslane, Quince seed etc.

Comment:

Traditionally called Cataputia minoris. The name Cataputia comes from the likeness of the seeds to pills.
Cataputia majoris was the name given to Castor Seeds.

Preparation:

1. The Spurges are usually prepared by steeping in Vinegar for 24 hours before drying. This was not usually recommended for Cataputia, however, preparing with Vinegar should lessen its harsh nature as with other related Spurge medicines.
2. In TCM, Caper Spurge ‘frost’ is prepared by stir-frying the seeds, then beating and pressing between blotting paper to absorb the oil. This is safer for internal use.

Main Combinations:

1. Edema:
i. Caper Spurge with Cinnamon, Fennel seed, Mastic
ii. Caper Spurge with equal parts of Fennel juice and White Wine
iii. Tithymalus (Caper Spurge),, Polypody, Rhubarb, Sagapen, Spikenard, Aloes (Syrian ‘Book of Medicine‘, Budge, 1913)
2. To purge Water:
i. Caper Spurge with Rhubarb (TCM)
ii. Caper Spurge with Yellow Myrobalan, Aloe, as Pills

Cautions:

1. Avoid overdose. Only used in Strong bodies
2. Not used in Pregnancy.

Antidotes:
1. Armenian Earth, Sealed Earth
2. Red Coral
3. prepared Deer Horn
4. Theriac with wine, or Water of blessed Thistle
5. Gum Arabic and Tra∣gacanth