Radix Dipsaci
Source
Root of Dipsacus asper Wall., family Dipsacaceae.
Characteristics
Root
terete and slightly flat, 5-15 cm long, 0.5-2.0 cm in diameter; surface
grey-brown, with twisted, longitudinal wrinkles and distinct lenticels.
Prepared by crosscutting, section showing light brown at the outer margin
of the cortex, dark-green at the interior and yellowbrown at the xylem;
vascular bundles indistinct and radial in arrangement. Ditter, acrid and
sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, and attributive to liver and
kidney channels.
Indication
1. Invigorate the liver and kidney, strengthen the bone and muscle, expel
wind-dampness: For deficiency of the liver and kidney manifested as backache,
knee aching and rheumatism, and trauma, used together with Radix Achyranthis
Bidentatae and Cortex Eucommiae.
2.
Regulate blood flow, stop vaginal bleeding and calm the fetus: For metrorrhagia
and threatened abortion due to deficiency of the liver and kidney, usually
used together with Radix Rehmanniae Praeparate and Folium Artemisiae Argyi
Pharmacological
Action
1. Counteracting the deficiency of vitamin E.
2. Inhibiting the growth of Theumococcus.
Administration Decoction: 5-15g.