Drynaria (gu sui bu)

Drynaria roosii (syn. D. fortunei)

Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens kidney yang, lets the blood flow and helps fractures and tendon injuries heal.

Safety notes

Not with yin deficiency or without blood stagnation. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Rhizome. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'tonics for kidney yang'. Gu sui bu means 'mends broken bones'. The fern is used for fractures, sprains and toothache, and externally in tinctures against hair loss.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: bitter, warm
Meridians: kidney, liver

Attributed effects

For a weak lower back and knees, diarrhoea, tinnitus, poorer hearing and bleeding gums from kidney deficiency, and for fractures and torn ligaments. Externally as a tincture on bald patches.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 6–18 g a day, usually in a decoction. The name means 'mends broken bones'.

Combinations

With prepared rehmannia, shan zhu yu, walnut, babchi and niu xi for tinnitus and toothache from kidney deficiency

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction

Sources

All herbs from Asia →