Croton Seed (Ba Dou)

巴豆
Croton seed (Badou)

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Crotonis

Botanical Name: Croton tiglium L.

Common Name: Croton seed

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used: The ripe seeds are gathered in autumn, dried in the sun and ground into powder.

Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent and very toxic

Meridians: Stomach and large intestine

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To drain accumulated cold downward.
2. To transform water and reduce edema.
3. To resolve phlegm and benefit throat.

Indications:
1. Abdominal pain and constipation due to cold or retention of food in the intestines. Croton seed (Badou) is used with Rhubarb (Dahuang) and Dried ginger (Ganjiang) in the formula Sanwu Beiji Wan.

2. Retention of milk in babies, profuse sputum and infantile convulsions. Croton seed (Badou) is used with Medicated leaven (Shenqu), Arisaema tuber with bile (Dannanxing) and Cinnabar (Zhusha) in the formula Baochi San.

3. Ascites. Croton seed (Badou) is used with Apricot seed (Xingren).

4. Pharyngitis, excessive sputum blocking the windpipe, rapid breathing and even suffocation. The powder of Croton seed (Badou) is blown into the throat to cause vomiting.

5. Boils and carbuncles. Croton seed (Badou) is used externally.

Dosage: 0.1-0.3 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during pregnancy. It must not be mixed with the herb Pharbitis flower (Qianniuhua). No hot food or drinks should be consumed while administering the herb.