Caper Spurge (Xusuizi)

Caper Spurge grows in the Shu Commandery original: 蜀郡 (Shu jun); modern-day Sichuan province and is found everywhere. The seedlings resemble Peking Spurge original: 大戟 (Daji); Euphorbia pekinensis. It initially grows a single stem, with leaves emerging at the tip. From within these leaves, several more stems emerge in succession, which is how it earned its name The name 續隨子 (Xusuizi) literally means "successively following seeds/stems.".

The flowers also resemble those of the Peking Spurge. Stalks sprout from among the leaves to produce fruit, which are green and have a hull. Many people plant it in their gardens and courtyards to use as an ornament. It is sown in autumn, grows through the winter, flourishes in the spring, and bears fruit in the summer; for this reason, it is also named "Winter-Resister" original: 拒冬 (Judong).

The fruit is also known as Thousand Gold Seed original: 千金子 (Qianjinzi). This name reflects the high value placed on its potent medicinal effects.. Its flavor is acrid, its nature is warm, and it is toxic.

It is primarily used to treat "blood knots" and the cessation of menstruation in women, as well as Abdominal Masses original: 癥瘕 (Zhengjia); refers to various types of hard or movable tumors and growths in the abdomen., Chronic Stagnation original: 痃癖 (Xuanpi); a traditional diagnosis for localized pain or masses caused by chronic indigestion or "cold" energy., blood stasis, and "Gu" poisoning original: 蠱毒 (Gudu); a legendary form of venom or parasitic infection associated with dark magic or environmental toxins.. It also treats "childhood infusion" original: 児疰 (erzhu); a chronic wasting disease or infectious condition in children., pain in the heart and abdomen, and bloating or fullness caused by "cold qi."

It benefits the function of the large and small intestines acting as a powerful purgative, removes Phlegm-Fluid original: 痰飲 (Tanyin); a TCM concept referring to the accumulation of fluids that have thickened due to poor metabolism. and internal accumulations, and expels foul or stagnant matter from the body. The white sap found within the stem can be used to remove moles and dark skin spots.