xu duan

续断·Radix Dipsaci

Dipsacus

About xu duan

Xu Duan (续断) is the root of Himalayan teasel, recorded as Radix Dipsaci. It is bitter, sweet and acrid in flavour, slightly warm, and enters the Liver and Kidney channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that tonify Yang. Its Chinese name reads as the mender of what is broken.

Names

Pinyinxu duan
Chinese续断
Latin NameRadix Dipsaci
English NameDipsacus·Himalayan teasel root
Japanesezokudan
Koreansokdan

Classification

Category
Tonify Yang
Channels
Kidney, Liver
Flavour
Acrid, Sweet, Bitter
Temperature
Slightly Warm
Part used
Root
Family
Dipsacaceae
Species
Dipsacus asperoides
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys and strengthens the sinews and bones

  • Sore, aching lower back and knees, stiff joints and weak legs from Liver and Kidney deficiency
  • Wind-Damp on top of underlying Kidney deficiency
  • Dribbling urination from Kidney deficiency

Stops uterine bleeding, calms the fetus and prevents miscarriage

  • Bleeding or spotting in pregnancy
  • Restless fetus
  • Threatened miscarriage, including from Liver and Kidney deficiency
  • Uterine bleeding and vaginal discharge from deficiency of the Ren channel

Moves Blood, relieves pain, generates flesh and joins the sinews and bones

  • Traumatic injury such as fractures, sprains and bruises, especially with pain and swelling of the lower back and limbs, treated topically or internally
  • Sores on the surface of the body, treated topically
  • Bi pain

Reduces swellings, abscesses and sores

  • Toxic abscesses and sores

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 6-21g; Tincture:1-4ml6-21 g1-4 ml

Cautions

Interactions

Antagonistic with