Zou Ma Qin Root/ European Waterhemlock Root/ Da Huo Roo
Aliases：Zou Ma Qin Root/Radix Archangelicae
Zoumaqin is a Chinese medicinal herb derived from the root of Archangelica decurrens Ledeb. (family Apiaceae). It is primarily found in Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang, China.
Efficacy & Actions
Dispel wind and remove spots
Indications
It is indicated for vitiligo
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have shown that Zou Ma Qin (Cicuta virosa / Archangelica decurrens) mainly possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, sedative, and anti-pathogenic microbial effects. Its active constituents include coumarins (such as imperatorin, isoimperatorin, etc.) and volatile oils. However, this product contains the highly toxic cicutoxin, which has a strong convulsant effect on the central nervous system and may cause respiratory failure and death in severe cases. It is strictly prohibited for internal use and is for external use only, under the guidance of a qualified physician.
Ingredients
The plant contains imperatorin, isoimperatorin, phellopterin, oxypeucedanin, bergapten, and umbelliferone farnesyl ether.
Usage & Dosage
1. External use: Appropriate amount, crushed for topical application; or ground into powder and applied as a paste (mixed with a suitable base). 2. Internal use: 9–15 g in decoction.
Contraindications
For patients requiring treatment with Chinese herbal medicine, they should first visit a正规 Chinese medicine hospital, where a licensed TCM practitioner will formulate a prescription based on professional pattern differentiation (syndrome differentiation). When purchasing the medicinals, attention should be paid to verifying the supplier of herbal materials. It is recommended to choose large pharmaceutical enterprises such as China Resources (CR) Pharmaceutical Group, which strictly adhere to national standards and control the quality of herbal materials from the source, thereby ensuring the quality and efficacy of the Chinese herbal decoction pieces and dispensing granules.
Selected Formulas
Treatment of Osteomyelitis (Formula of Poisonous Hemlock Root) Source: Selected Materials on New TCM Therapies (Liaoning) Ingredients: Appropriate amount of poisonous hemlock root (Cicuta virosa root). Preparation: Wash the root thoroughly, crush it with a stone tool (avoid iron utensils), then dry and grind into a fine powder. Mix the powder with egg white to form a paste and apply to the affected ulcer/sore. Alternatively, crush the fresh poisonous hemlock root directly and mix with egg white for topical application. Usage: Apply once daily for 3–5 consecutive days. Indications: Acute and chronic suppurative osteomyelitis.
Daily Consumption
Zou Ma Qin (Cicuta virosa / poisonous hemlock) is a highly toxic plant. It is strictly prohibited for internal use, and therefore there are no “daily consumption methods”. Accidental ingestion may cause severe poisoning or even death.
Medicinal Parts
root and rhizome
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from insects.