Products Featuring This Herb:
Strong Bones
Strength Builder
Profound Essence
Frame Builder

More Information:

Other Common Names
Dipsacus

Page Number In Radiant Health
not in book

Pharmaceutical Latin
Radix Dipsaci

Pinyin
Xu Duan

Treasures
Yang Jing

Treasure Rating
***1/2

Atmospheric Energy
Slightly Warm

Taste
Bitter and Acrid

Organ Meridian Systems
Liver and Kidney

Part Used and Form
The sun-dried root

Primary Functions
Tonify Kidney and Liver, help repair bones and ligaments, and open the blood vessels.

Qualities
This Kidney tonic is primarily used to strengthen the skeletal structure. Dipsacus is one of the main herbs used in case of traumatic injury to the skeleton. It is an excellent herb for repairing structural tissue (bones and ligaments) that have been damaged as a result of trauma. Dipsacus helps relieve the swelling due to structural trauma. It is the perfect herb for those who have damaged spinal structure and for those who have experienced knee injuries. However, it is useful for any structural tissue damage to hasten repair.

Thus Dipsacus is a premium herb for athletes, dancers and others who have experienced minor or severe structural injuries as a result of their activities. It can be used preventatively by those who have had previous injuries or by those who are involved in dangerous activities and may wish to do all that they can to fortify the structure of the body. It is equally effective for older people who are experiencing structural difficulties simply due to aging. Dipsacus is usually combined with Eucommia, Drynaria, Tang Kuei and sometimes Deer Antler.

Dipsacus performs some of the classic Kidney tonic functions as well. It helps strengthen sexual function and relieves back pain. Dipsacus is routinely used during pregnancy in Asia to strengthen the mother' back and to calm the fetus. It is used to relieve bleeding during pregnancy which may threaten the pregnancy.

Dipsacus also helps improve blood flow by opening up the blood vessels. Therefore it is useful in any condition in which the blood vessels are constricted especially when the constriction results in pain.

Primary Combinations
Combine with:

1. Eucommia bark to strengthen the lower back and knees
2. Eucommia bark, Donkey skin glue, Mugwort leaf, Astragalus root and Dang Gui for profuse menstrual flow, uterine bleeding and threatened abortion with bleeding

Varieties and Grading
The herb must be fried if it is to be used to stop uterine bleeding. As a tonic, the raw herb may be cooked or used raw. All Dipsacus is of similar quality in the US.