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    Yemama Apothecary

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    Extreme-Bitter Heat-Clearing, Carbuncle-Drawing & Anti-Neoplastic (清热解毒 / 拔毒消痈散结消肿抗癌药)

    海芋 / 滴水观音 / 巨型天南星 / 狼毒芋 — Alocasia macrorrhizos (L.) G.Don (syn. Alocasia odora)

    Pinyin: Hǎiyù / Dīshuǐ Guānyīn · Malay: Keladi Sebaring / Keladi Birah / Keladi Rimau · Family: Araceae (天南星科)

    Botanical Illustration

    Energetics

    Cold (寒), Highly Toxic (大毒)

    Flavor

    Pungent, acrid, numbing (辛、麻、大毒)

    Meridians

    Liver (肝), Stomach (胃), Lung (肺)

    Traditional Edict

    Giant Elephant Ear. Drips toxic water from leaf tips. High-heat prolonged boiling (4-6h) or strict external poulticing only. Draws out deep purulent boils, dissolves thyroid nodules, scrofula, and tumors.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    • HIGH TOXICITY WARNING: NEVER INGEST RAW. Needle-like calcium oxalate raphides cause instantaneous severe tongue/throat swelling, asphyxiation, and vomiting. Ingestion antidote: dilute vinegar/lemon juice wash and raw egg white. FORBIDDEN IN PREGNANCY.

    Clinical Applications

    • Malignant solid tumors (liver, nasopharyngeal, gastric carcinoma adjuvant), deep subcutaneous carbuncles/furuncles, cervical lymphadenitis, venomous snakebites, and rheumatic joint pain.

    Quality Markers

    Calcium Oxalate Needle Raphides, Sapotoxin, Triglochinin & Alocasin (HPLC/Microscopy Standard)

    Mechanism & Phytochemistry

    1. Alocasin lectins and saponins trigger Caspase-3/9 apoptosis and inhibit telomerase in tumor cells. 2. Pungent sapotoxin causes intense localized microvascular counter-irritation, mobilizing macrophages to draw out deep pus.

    Preparation & Dosage

    CRITICAL PAOZHI & COOKING MANDATE: IF PRESCRIBED INTERNALLY, DRIED RHIZOME MUST BE PROLONGED-BOILED FOR AT LEAST 4 TO 6 HOURS WITH RICE OR GINGER (9-15 g) UNTIL NUMBING ACRIDITY VANISHES. Fresh rhizome pounded as external poultice.

    Appended Prescriptions

    • 1. The Sovereign Deep Carbuncle & Boil Drawing Paste with Fresh Ginger and Brown Sugar (External Only). 2. Lingnan Oncology Anti-Nodule Decoction (Boiled 4-6h) with Hedyotis diffusa and Scutellaria barbata.

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    Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only