Flos Genkwa
Source
The flower bud of Daphne genkwa Sieb. et Zucc., family Thymeiaeaceae.
Characteristics
Buds curved and short, club-shaped, 1.0-1.7 cm long, 1.5 mm in diameter,
3-7 clustered at the rachis; the lower portion of the perianth 
cylindrical,
and the upper portion 4-lobed; light purple to yellow-green and pubescent.
Acrid and bitter in taste, warrn in nature, toxic, and attributive to
lung, kidney and large intestine channels.
Indication
1. Purge and eliminate the retention of phlegrn: For sthenia syndrome
with hydrothorax, ascites, edema and retention of phlegm, used together
with Radix Euphorbiae Kansui and Radix Euphorbiae Pekin ensis.
2. Eliminate the phlegm and relieve cough: For acute and chronic cough.
Recently, also used for chronic bronchitis, psychosis and epilepsy.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Diuretic. Oral use of its decoction increases urinary volume by 7-13%
in rats within 5 hours.
2. Its diuretic effect is decreased and its toxicity increased when it
is used together with Radix Euphorbiae Pekinensis and Radix Glycyrrhizae.
3.
Its alcoholic extract or one of its components hydroxy-genkwanin is an
antitussive and expectorant.
4. Intrauterine application of another component yuanhuacine can induce
abortion.
5. Bacteriostatic.
Administration
Decoction: 1-3g; 3-6g daily for psychosis and epilepsy.
Powder or Pill: 0.25-0.5g 2-3 times daily.
Caution
This medicine may cause dizziness, headache, pain of the limbs, vomiting,
abdominal pain and buming pain of the stomach. Contraindicated for pregnant
women and persons with general debility.