Gu Sui Bu (骨碎补) is the rhizome of drynaria, a fern, recorded as Rhizoma Drynariae. It is bitter in flavour and warm in temperature, entering the Kidney and Liver channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that tonify Yang. Its Chinese name reads as mender of shattered bone.

Pinyin

gu sui bu

Chinese

骨碎补

Latin Name

Rhizoma Drynariae

English Name

Drynaria Rhizome·Drynariae Rhizoma

Japanese

kotsusaiho

Korean

kolswaebo

Actions and indications

Tonifies Kidney Yang, strengthens the sinews and bones and benefits the ears

Kidney deficiency with a weak, sore lower back and knees, ringing in the ears and poor hearing
Chronic diarrhea from Kidney deficiency
Deficient Kidneys with loose, aching teeth or gums that bleed

Mends sinews and bones and aids recovery after injury

Falls, fractures, bruising and sprains, including a twisted ankle
Ligament injuries and simple fractures, where it is especially useful

Invigorates Blood and stops bleeding

Blood stagnation, particularly after trauma
Bleeding with fractures and sprains

Promotes hair growth (topical)

Patchy hair loss, applied as a tincture or steeped in wine
Vitiligo, applied externally

Combinations

bu gu zhi + huai niu xi + rou gui xin

Persistent pain of the low back and legs from Kidney Yang Deficiency

shan yao

Chronic diarrhea and tinnitus.

xi xin + shu di huang

Loose teeth and toothache where Kidney Yin Deficiency lets Empty Fire rise

shi gao + sheng ma

Painful, swollen gums and loose teeth, used as a mouthwash

xu duan

Traumatic damage to the bones, sinews and muscles

xu duan + ru xiang + mo yao + zi ran tong + gui ban

Trauma injuring the muscles, sinews and bones, with a stronger action

di gu pi + shi hu

Red, swollen, painful gums with toothache

shu di huang + shan zhu yu + fu ling + ze xie

Teeth slowly becoming loose, with deafness and tinnitus

Age

Raw

Granule

Tincture

Concentrate

Frequency

Any 6-21g; To strengthen the Kidneys: 30g; Tincture: 2-5ml

6-21 g

—

2-5 ml

—

Cautions

caution Yin deficiency

contraindication Yin deficiency with Heat, which a warm, drying Yang tonic can aggravate

caution Absence of Blood stasis

contraindication Blood deficiency

contraindication Wind-Dryness

contraindication Fire from Blood deficiency

contraindication Cramping from Blood deficiency

contraindication Painful obstruction

gu sui bu

About gu sui bu

Names

Classification