Teasel
root (Xuduan)
Pharmaceutical Name : Radix Dipsaci
Botanical Name : 1. Dipsacus asper Wall.
Common Name : Dipsacus root, Teasel root
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao
Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations : The roots are dug in the period
from July to August. After the fibrous roots
have been removed, the roots are cut into
slices and dried in the sun.
Properties & Taste : Bitter, sweet,
pungent and slightly warm
Meridians: Liver and kidney
Functions:
1. To tonify the liver and kidneys;
2. To promote the circulation of blood;
3. To strengthen the bones and tendons
Indications & Combinations:
1. Deficiency of the liver and kidneys manifested
as soreness and pain in the lower back and
knees or weakness of the legs. Teasel root
(Xuduan) is used with Eucommia bark (Duzhong)
and Cyathula root (Niuxi).
2. Derangement of Chong and Ren meridians
due to deficient liver and kidneys manifested
as profuse menstrual flow, uterine bleeding
and threatened abortion (restless fetus).
Teasel root (Xuduan) is used with Eucommia
bark (Duzhong), Donkey hide gelatin (Ejiao),
Mugwort leaf (Aiye), Astragalus root (Huangqi)
and Chinese angelica root (Danggui).
3. External injury. Teasel root (Xuduan)
is used with Drynaria (Gusuibu) and Dragon's
blood (Xuejie) for reducing swelling and stopping
pain.
Dosage: 10-20 g
Cautions & Contraindications:
The fried herb is used for uterine bleeding
and the powdered herb for external use. |