Rhizome and Root of Black Falsehellebore … Classic Formulas

Li Lu · Rhizoma et Radix Veratri

Primary Actions

  • Induces vomiting of stubborn phlegm and retained food ... Li Lu is a harsh emetic preserved mainly as a historical toxic herb rather than a routine modern internal medicine.
  • Kills parasites and relieves itching externally ... powdered Li Lu was applied to scabies, damp skin disease, lice, and other parasitic or intensely itchy lesions.
  • Dries dampness and attacks toxic skin conditions ... classical use includes chronic wet lesions where a toxic antiparasitic mineral-or-herb approach was desired.

Classic Formulas

  • Historical emetic use for acute phlegm obstruction ... Li Lu belongs to an older therapeutic logic that is rarely carried forward in routine modern practice.
  • Topical parasite and itch preparations ... external powders with oil or lard were used for scabies and stubborn wet-toxic skin disease.
  • Classical incompatibility lists ... Li Lu is a reference herb in the Eighteen Incompatibilities tradition.

Classical Text References

  • Traditional materia medica describes Li Lu as bitter, acrid, cold, and highly toxic, used to induce vomiting and kill parasites.
  • Older herbology repeatedly warns against combining Li Lu with important tonic and yin-nourishing roots, making the incompatibility teaching part of its core identity.