Xu Duan "Restore What is Broken" Rx. Dispsaci Asperi Dipsacus asperoides North American Variety
Dispacus sylvestris
Dispacus sylvestris pictures by Lady Barbara of Eugene, Oregon
Properties: bitter, acrid, slightly sweet, slightly warm
Channels entered: Liver, Kidney
Functions & Uses: Tonifies Liver & Kidney to strengthen sinews & bones respectively. For this purpose
used the herb that has been fried in salt water.
Promotes circulation of Blood for bone fratures with swelling & pain. Also for pain & swelling in the lower
back & painful arthritis this herb is useful with used raw or fried in rice liquor.
A vinegar made from this herb would also be a good choice.
Stops Uterine Bleeding & calms the fetus. For uterine bleeding in pregnancy, this herb prevents miscarriage. Can take
prior to getting pregant for history of habitual miscarriage.
Harvest & Preaparation:
Choose big heavy roots in fall. Put on low fire to dry for 10 minutes,
then put in a dark high temperature room until greenish black.
Then dry fry in rice liquor or salt water. Before frying in salt water, first soak the root in salt water solution.
Or for vinegar preparation, soak the fresh herb in apple cider vinegar in a covered jar for a few months.
Dosage: 10-20g in decoction
Reference:
Pictures by Lady Barbara http://www.ladybarbara.net
Dr. Li Jin of Seattle, WA Pharmocopeia IV pg 35
http://alternativehealing.org/xu_duan.htm
Chinese Pharmacopoeia Index