Castorbean

Produced in all areas of China.

Oval or elliptical, slightly flat, 0.9~1.8cm long, 0.5~1cm wide. Surface is smooth, with grayish-white and blackish-brown or yellowish-brown and reddish-brown marble-like “spotted markings”. One side is relatively flat, the other is raised; relatively flat side has one raise raphe; one end with grayish-white or pale brown raised carbuncle. Seed coat is thin and brittle. Endosperm is thick, white, oily. faint odor, taste slightly bitter and acrid.

Superior medicinal material is large full and lustrous.

Sweet, acrid; neutral.

Disperse swelling and draws toxin, drain downward and frees stagnation. Ulcer and swollen toxin, throat impediment, dry feces.

‘Spotted markings’: This refers to patterned markings seen on the surface of fruit and seed medicinal materials.