Shang Lu (商陆) is the root of pokeweed, recorded as Radix Phytolaccae. It is bitter in flavour and cold in temperature, entering the Spleen, Kidney, Bladder and Large Intestine channels.

Pinyin

shāng lù

Chinese

商陆

Latin Name

Radix Phytolaccae

English Name

phytolacca·pokeberry root·pokeberry root; phytolacca

Actions and indications

Drives out water through the urine and stool

Excess-type edema or ascites with severe constipation, abdominal distension and difficult urination, only in a patient strong enough to bear a harsh purge

Reduces sores and carbuncles

Hot-type sores, boils and abscesses, with the fresh root pounded and applied externally

Removes Phlegm, stops cough and resolves lumps

Lung disorders

Reduces swelling and disperses nodules

Swellings and nodules, with the crushed root applied to the skin

Combinations

bing lang + ze xie

Excess-type edema and swelling with difficult urination

chi xiao dou

Edema with abdominal distention, difficult urination and shortness of breath

ku shen

Hot, painful sores, applied topically as a warm poultice

gan sui

Strongly expels water, clears plugged accumulation and opens the water passages for edema in all three Jiaos. Ascites, and edema of the abdomen or limbs (use very cautiously)

bing lang + chi xiao dou + ze xie + da fu pi

Ascites and edema.

Age

Raw

Granule

Tincture

Concentrate

Frequency

Any 3-10g; Tincture: 0.1-1.5ml

3-10 g

—

0.1-1.5 ml

—

Cautions

pregnancy Never use in pregnancy: it has caused birth defects, and extracts of the root have shown abortifacient activity

contraindication A weak, deficient Stomach, or Spleen and Stomach deficiency

contraindication Edema of the deficiency type, or a weak and frail constitution, which a harsh purge would damage further

caution Reserve for severe Excess patterns

caution Highly toxic; handle and prescribe with great care

caution The dust can inflame the eyelids and bring on rhinitis and gastroenteritis

caution The raw root is for external use only; internally, only the vinegar-processed form is used

shāng lù

About shāng lù

Names

Classification