Ze Qi 泽漆 — Chinese Herbal Medicine

Ze Qi (泽漆) At a Glance

• Herb: Ze Qi
• Chinese name: 泽漆 (Ze Qi)
• Latin name: Herba Euphorbiae Helioscopiae
• Nature: Cool
• Taste: Acrid, Bitter
• Meridian: Lung
• Category: Resolve Phlegm Heat

Ze Qi (泽漆), derived from the aerial parts of Euphorbia helioscopia, is a cool-natured herb with acrid and bitter qualities that enters the Lung meridian to transform stubborn phlegm-heat and redirect rebellious Lung qi. It acts simultaneously on the respiratory and fluid-metabolic systems, making it valuable for patterns where phlegm-fluid congests the chest alongside systemic water accumulation. Its ability to disperse nodules and drain toxicity extends its clinical use beyond respiratory disease into oncology-adjacent and dermatological conditions.

Actions & Therapeutic Effects

• Resolves phlegm-heat and stops cough — addresses phlegm-fluid obstructing the Lung with coughing, wheezing, and copious sputum
• Promotes urination and reduces edema — drains water retention, abdominal distension, and ascites
• Dissipates nodules and reduces swelling — treats scrofula, goiter, and hard masses
• Clears heat and relieves toxicity — addresses carbuncles, skin sores, and snake bites
• Kills intestinal parasites — used adjunctively for roundworm infestation

Clinical Applications in TCM

• Phlegm-fluid cough with dyspnea: combined with Bàn Xià (半夏), Shēng Jiāng (生姜), Guì Zhī (桂枝) as in Zé Qī Tāng (泽漆汤) from Jīnguì Yàolüè
• Edema and ascites: paired with Zhū Líng (猪苓), Fú Líng (茯苓), Zé Xiè (泽泻) to drain dampness
• Scrofula and lymphatic swelling: used with Xuán Shēn (玄参), Mǔ Lì (牡蛎), Zhè Bèi Mǔ (浙贝母)
• Carbuncles and heat-toxin swellings: combined with Pú Gōng Yīng (蒲公英), Jīn Yín Huā (金银花)
• Intestinal parasites: paired with Shǐ Jūn Zǐ (使君子), Kǔ Liàn Pí (苦楝皮)

Precautions & Safety

• Dosage: 5–10 g in decoction; fresh herb 10–15 g; follow formula guidance strictly due to toxic potential
• Contraindicated during pregnancy; use with caution in Spleen-Stomach deficiency patterns
• Overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, and mucosal irritation — do not exceed recommended dose
• Not suitable for prolonged independent use; integrate within balanced formulas

Classical TCM Formulas

• Ze Qi Tang (泽漆汤): Ze Qi, Ban Xia, Zi Shen, Sheng Jiang, Bai Qian, Huang Qin, Ren Shen, Gui Zhi, Gan Cao — cough with Phlegm-Heat and dyspnea. Source: Jin Gui Yao Lue.
• Ze Qi Gao (泽漆膏): Ze Qi concentrated extract — topical for scrofula and lymphadenopathy (external use).
• Modern use: extremely limited due to toxicity; safer antitussive and diuretic alternatives are available.

Herb Combinations

• Ze Qi (泽漆) + Ban Xia (半夏) + Huang Qin (黄芩): the core of Ze Qi Tang — transforms Phlegm-Heat and stops cough. Source: Jin Gui Yao Lue.
• Ze Qi (泽漆) + Ting Li Zi (葶苈子) + Sang Bai Pi (桑白皮): drains the Lung and calms dyspnea for pleural effusion and severe bronchitis.
• Ze Qi (泽漆) + Yi Yi Ren (薏苡仁) + Fu Ling (茯苓): promotes diuresis and reduces oedema for Damp-Heat oedema.
• Ze Qi is toxic and must be used with extreme caution; safer alternatives (Ting Li Zi, Sang Bai Pi) are preferred for most clinical situations.

Pharmacology & Research

Alkaloids (euphorbine, helioscopinol): purgative and cytotoxic activity against tumour cell lines.
Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol): anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects supporting phlegm-heat resolution.
Diterpenoids (jolkinol-type): antitumour and immunomodulatory properties linked to nodule-dispersing action.
Tannins: antimicrobial and mild astringent effects relevant to topical toxicity applications.

Classical Descriptions

• “Ze Qi: governs skin eruptions and leprosy-like lesions; breaks accumulations and fixed masses in the abdomen; benefits the large and small intestines and regulates the water pathways.” — Shénnóng Běncǎo Jīng (神农本草经, Divine Farmer’s Classic of Materia Medica, c. 1st–2nd century CE)