Properties: Pungent and bitter in flavour, cold in nature, being poisonous, it acts on the lung, kidney and large intestine channels. Pungent for dispersing, bitter for sending down, cold for clearing away, the herb has the laxative effect on urine and stool and can remove fluid retention. Its action is similar to that of kansui root and knoxia root. It is a poisonous herb, suitable for edema due to syndrome of excess type. In addition, it has parasiticidal effect and antipruritic effect, and is effective for skin diseases by external application.

Effects: Removing fluid retention, being parasiticidal and effective for skin disease.

Indications:

1. For hydrothorax, ascites, constipation and difficulty in micturition due to syndrome of excess, the herb is often used in combination with kansui root and knoxia root for reinforcing the synergistic function.

2. For scalp fungus infection, infantile tinea capitis and neurodermatitis, the powder of genkwa flower is used alone or mixed with realgar powder and lard to make up an ointment for external application