Teasel Root (Xuduan)
| Pharmaceutical Name: | Radix Dipsaci |
| Botanical Name: | 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 and Taste: | Bitter, sweet, pungent, and slightly warm |
| Meridian: | Liver and kidney |
| Functions: | To tonify the liver and kidneys To promote the circulation of blood To strengthen the bones and tendons |
| Indications and Combinations: | 1. Deficiency of the liver and kidneys manifested as soreness and pain in the lower back and knees or weakness of the legs. *Use with Eucommia bark (Duzhong) and Cyathula root (Niuxi). 2. Derangement of Chong and Red meridians due to deficient liver and kidneys manifested as profuse menstrual flow, uterine bleeding and threatened abortion (restless fetus). *Use with Eucommia bark (Duzhong), Donkey hide gelatin (Ejiao), Mugwort leaf (Aiye), Astragalus root (Huangqi) and Chinese angelica root (Danggui). 3. External injury. *Use with Drynaria (Gusuibu) and Dragon’s blood (Xuejie) for reducing swelling and stopping pain. |
| Dosage: | 10-20 g |
| Cautions: | The fried herb is used for uterine bleeding and the powdered herb for external use. |