Witnessed by: TCM
Daphne (Daphne genkwa), of the Thymelaeaceae family. Deciduous shrub flowering before the leaves; native range: hillsides and roadsides of central and eastern China. Globally recognized as yuan hua (芫花) in Chinese, and lilac daphne in English. The part used is flower bud. Small violet buds clothed in silky hairs, acrid and biting to the tongue.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
DAPHNE
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- daphne
- Scientific name
- Daphne genkwa Siebold & Zucc.
- Family
- Thymelaeaceae
Form
- Part used
- flower bud
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- pungent · bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Kidney · Large Intestine
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- drives out water and phlegm-fluids, expels congested fluid from the chest and abdomen, kills parasites when applied
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in pregnancy and in the weak; classically incompatible with licorice (gan cao)
- Toxicity
- toxic; overdose brings violent vomiting, cramping, and dehydration
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