Roots and rhizomesTonifyingDipsaci Radix

Xu Duan (Teasel Root)

Q: What is Xu Duan? Are Du Zhong and Sang Ji Sheng the same?

Official Xu Duan (续断) is the dried root of Dipsacus asper . The pharmacopoeial name is Dipsaci Radix . Du Zhong is sweet-warm: supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and calms the fetus. Sang Ji Sheng is bitter-sweet and neutral: dispels wind-damp, supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and calms the fetus. Write Xu Duan. Use caution in early dysentery and qi depression.

Q: What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Xu Duan?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Xu Duan is bitter, acrid and slightly warm , enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and acts to supplement the Liver and Kidney, strengthen sinew and bone, continue fractures and stop flooding . It is used for Liver-Kidney insufficiency, sore weak waist and knees, wind-damp impediment, falls and knocks, sinew injury and fracture, flooding and spotting, and fetal leakage. Bitter-acrid and slightly warm, it suits Liver-Kidney insufficiency and fracture—not early dysentery or excess heat without vacuity.

Q: What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a fetal tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 9–15 g . It is not a four-season “teasel fetal tea.” Fetal leakage needs pattern differentiation by a practitioner. Fracture needs orthopedic assessment; teasel alone is not enough.

Q: How do you choose and store Xu Duan?

Choose cylindrical roots, a gray-brown surface, an ink-green cortex on the cut face, a yellow-brown radiating wood, a faint aroma and a bitter, slightly sweet, then astringent taste . Moldy, moth-eaten, green-heart-free or dirty lots are discarded. Store dry and protect from moths. Buy pharmacopoeial Xu Duan; do not replace supplementing the Liver and Kidney, strengthening sinew and bone, continuing fractures and stopping flooding with eucommia or mistletoe by equal weight.

A practical guide to Xu Duan: what it is, how Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it, the classical formulas it appears in, and who should be careful with it.

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Last reviewed Oct 13, 2026

Quick Facts

Latin Name	Dipsaci Radix
Chinese Name & Pinyin	續斷 · Xu Duan
Medicinal Part	Roots and rhizomes
The herb	Xu Duan is the dried root of Dipsacus asper. Du Zhong and Sang Ji Sheng are different official drugs. Common forms: raw, salt-fried, and wine-fried.
Nature and channels	Bitter, acrid, slightly warm. Enters the Liver and Kidney. Bitter acrid slight warmth tonifies Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone, reconnects fractures, and stops flooding.
Pharmacopoeia line	Tonifies the Liver and Kidney. Strengthens sinew and bone. Reconnects fractures. Stops flooding. Used for Liver–Kidney insufficiency, sore lumbar region and knees, wind-damp bi, traumatic injury, sinew injury and fracture, flooding, spotting in pregnancy, and restless fetus.
Pattern cues	Sore lumbar region and knees. Wind-damp bi. Traumatic fracture. Flooding. Restless fetus.
In this article	Xu Duan versus Du Zhong, Sang Ji Sheng, and Gu Sui Bu. Tonifying the Kidney versus reconnecting injury. Why fracture and restless fetus need a clinic. Who should skip it.

What Is Xu Duan?

Xu Duan (续断; Xù Duàn; Latin: Dipsaci Radix; English: Himalayan teasel root) is the dried root of Dipsacus asper Wall. ex Henry. In Chinese medicine it is a yang-tonifying herb. It is bitter, acrid, and slightly warm, enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and its core actions are to tonify the Liver and Kidney, strengthen sinew and bone, reconnect fractures, and stop flooding. Salt-fried Xu Duan enters the Kidney more clearly. Wine-fried Xu Duan is used more to unblock collaterals and reconnect injury. It is not Du Zhong. Eucommia is sweet-warm. It tonifies Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone, and calms the fetus. Reconnecting fractures is not its main work. Xu Duan is bitter, acrid, and slightly warm. Setting bone, reconnecting injury, and stopping flooding are more specific. In Shou Tai Wan it sits with Tu Si Zi, Sang Ji Sheng, and E Jiao. That is a practitioner formula for spotting in pregnancy, not a calm-fetus snack. Fracture, restless fetus, and flooding need a clinic. Yin-deficiency fire is a caution.

It is used most often for three patterns:

Liver–Kidney insufficiency — sore lumbar region and knees, wind-damp bi
Traumatic injury, sinew injury, fracture — seek care
Flooding, spotting in pregnancy, restless fetus — seek care

The usual decoction dose is 9–15 g. Bitter, acrid, and slightly warm, it is not a daily “bone-setting teasel.” Tonifying when there is no deficiency and no injury assists heat.

When Liver and Kidney are insufficient, or sinew and bone are injured, sore lumbar region, bi pain, and fracture are common. Xu Duan is bitter, acrid, and slightly warm. It tonifies, reconnects, and stops flooding, which is why it appears in Shou Tai Wan and trauma formulas. It warms and tonifies more than it clears. A dry red tongue gets hotter if more is added.

Xu Duan is not a catch-all bone or calm-fetus root. In yin-deficiency fire, or when tonifying with no injury, using it alone can assist heat. Salt-fried or wine-fried should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis.

Xu Duan: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Dipsaci Radix

Botanical Origin

The dried root of Dipsacus asperoides C. Y. Cheng et T. M. Ai.(Dipsacaceae)

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Yunnan, Guizhou, Hubei.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is thick, soft, with greenish-brown cortex.

Macroscopic Features

Long cylindrical, slightly flat, slightly curved, 5~15cm long, 0.5~2cm diameter. Externally brown or grayish-brown, with numerous obvious curved longitudinal winkles and grooves, and numerous horizontal long lenticels and few rootlet scars. Slightly soft texture, dried and hard after long-term storage. Easily broken, uneven fractured surface, cortex is greenish-brown or pale brown, xylem is yellowish-brown, often has radial striations. faintly aromatic odor, bitter, slightly sweet and then astringent taste.

Authentic Regions and Quality Identification

Traditional texts and modern industry standards highly regard the Sichuan and Chongqing regions for producing the best quality Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root).

Appearance: The high-quality root is cylindrical, slightly flattened, and sometimes curved. It has obvious longitudinal wrinkles and transverse cracks.
Texture and Color: It is hard with an uneven cross-section, showing dark green or brown bark and a yellow center.
Taste and Smell: It has a faint fragrance and a slightly bitter, subtly sweet taste.
Processed vs. Raw: The salt-processed Yan Xu Duan is darker, slightly crispier, and carries a faint salty scent. Be careful not to confuse it with other species like Purple-flower Xu Duan, which has thinner roots and less obvious textures.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Bitter, Acrid; Slightly warmLiverKidney

1. Historical Records

This herb has a long history in classic TCM literature:

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica): Ranked as a top-grade herb, it was noted for treating injuries, tonifying deficiencies, knitting bones, and aiding difficult lactation.
Ming Yi Bie Lu (Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians): Added that it helps with uterine bleeding, trauma, pain relief, and joint stiffness.
Ben Cao Gang Mu (Compendium of Materia Medica): Highlighted its use for relieving lower back and knee pain, strengthening weak legs, promoting blood flow, and reducing swelling.

2. Evolution of TCM Understanding

Different physicians throughout history have highlighted different aspects of Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root):

Nourishing Focus: Some emphasize its ability to tonify the Liver and Kidneys, using it for lower back and leg weakness.
Circulating Focus: Others focus on its dispersing nature, using it to move blood and relieve pain after physical trauma.
Modern Consensus: Today, it is best suited for patterns involving both Liver/Kidney deficiency and poor blood circulation. Caution: It is not a cure-all for back pain; those with simple damp-heat or "Yin deficiency with fire" should use it with caution.

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Supplements liver and kidney, strengthens sinew and bone, adjusts blood vein, continues broken injury, stops metrorrhagia and metrostaxis. Apply to aching pains in the loins and back, atrophy and arthralgia spasms of limbs and joints, injuries from falls, damage of tendons and fractures, fetal movement and bloody show, profuse uterine bleeding, emissions, leukorrhea, superficial infections, swelling sores. Wine xu duan often apply to wind-damp impediment, injuries from falls. Salt xu duan often apply to aching pains in the loins and back.

1. Primary Direction: Tonifying Liver and Kidney, Strengthening Bones

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the primary function of Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root) is to tonify Liver and Kidney deficiencies and strengthen the bones and sinews.

Common Applications: It is often used for physical fatigue, lower back pain, and weak knees caused by Liver and Kidney deficiency. Symptoms might include a heavy feeling in the legs, aching after standing or bending for too long, joint stiffness, dizziness, or low energy.
Classic Pairings: It is usually combined with other tonifying herbs like Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark) and Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) to enhance its strengthening effects.
Caution: Do not use this blindly if your back pain is caused by "damp-heat" or if you have "Yin deficiency with fire" (symptoms include dry mouth, hot flashes, and night sweats), as it may worsen your discomfort.

2. Secondary Direction: Unblocking Blood Vessels and Relieving Pain

Its secondary function is to promote blood circulation, clear meridians, and relieve pain caused by blood stasis or physical trauma.

Common Applications: Used for fixed joint pain that worsens with pressure, or localized swelling and restricted movement following an injury (like a sprain or fall).
Classic Pairings: It is frequently paired with blood-moving herbs like Dang Gui (Angelica Root) and Hong Hua (Safflower).
Caution: Pregnant women, women with heavy menstrual bleeding, or anyone with bleeding tendencies must avoid using it casually, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.

3. Common Single-Herb Pairing: Synergy

A classic and highly effective TCM pairing is Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root) and Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark).

The Synergy: While Du Zhong focuses heavily on deeply nourishing the lower back and kidneys, Xu Duan focuses on both nourishing and moving the blood to unblock the joints. Together, they create a balanced effect that strengthens the body while preventing stagnation.
Note: This combination requires professional TCM pattern differentiation and should not be mixed at home without guidance.

Modern Research

Modern research offers useful context, but Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribes on whole-pattern diagnosis rather than isolated compounds.

1. Primary Chemical Components

Modern analysis shows that the plant contains triterpenoid saponins, alkaloids, flavonoids, and volatile oils.

Lab Findings: In test-tube studies, some triterpenoid saponins show antioxidant activity. Animal studies suggest the extracts may support bone metabolism by promoting osteoblast (bone-building cell) proliferation.
Note: There are currently no definitive conclusions from human clinical trials linking a single component to these effects.

2. Modern Pharmacological Research

Current pharmacological research primarily focuses on bone metabolism, anti-oxidation, and anti-inflammation.

Lab models indicate that certain extracts might inhibit inflammatory factors, potentially reducing local inflammation.
While animal tests show potential impacts on bone density, more human studies are required to verify these effects in practical use.

3. Limitations of Modern Research

It is important to view modern research with a balanced perspective:

Lab vs. Life: Test-tube and animal studies do not directly translate to human clinical efficacy.
Extracts vs. Whole Herb: The highly concentrated extracts used in labs are completely different from the traditional herbal decoctions consumed daily; dosages cannot be directly compared.
Holistic Synergy: You cannot define the entire herb by a single chemical compound. The traditional healing power of Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root) comes from the complex synergy of all its natural components working together, rather than an isolated chemical action.

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. Common Ground

Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root) and Gu Sui Bu (Drynaria Rhizome) both tonify the Liver and Kidneys and strengthen bones. Both are commonly used for lower back and leg soreness caused by fatigue or aging, and both require attention to the user's underlying constitution.

2. Core Differences

Nature and Flavor: Xu Duan is slightly warm and has a moving, dispersing quality. Gu Sui Bu is warmer and more drying, with less dispersing power.
Efficacy Focus: Xu Duan excels at tonifying while unblocking blood vessels, making it great for stiffness and poor circulation. Gu Sui Bu strongly focuses on bone repair and is traditionally heavily used for trauma, fractures, and deep kidney weakness.
Target Symptoms: Choose Xu Duan for achy, heavy legs with mild joint stiffness. Choose Gu Sui Bu for pronounced bone/muscle weakness or noticeable swelling and pain after a physical injury.
Contraindications: Because Gu Sui Bu is warmer and more drying, people with internal heat or Yin deficiency must be even more cautious with it compared to Xu Duan.

3. Summary of Differences

In short, Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root) is better for daily wear-and-tear where both nourishment and blood circulation are needed. Gu Sui Bu (Drynaria Rhizome) is the specialist for bone weakness and trauma recovery. They are not interchangeable.

Classical Formulas Containing Xu Duan

Fu Ke Bai Zi Ren Wan

女科柏子仁丸

Formula CategoryBlood-Tonifying FormulasPrimary PatternBlood DeficiencyPrimary FunctionNourish blood, calm the spirit, moisten drynessRelated ConditionsIrregular Menstruation·Dry Skin·Constipation·Blood Deficiency Constitution

View Formula Profile Read Complete Guide

Formulas vs. Single Herbs

Synergy is Key: A formula is a balanced team. The healing power comes from how the herbs interact, so a single herb cannot simply replicate a full formula's effects.
Holistic Balance: The exact dosage and combination in a formula affect the entire body. Never try to mix or alter these formulas at home based on internet articles.

Diet & Daily Home Use

1. Home Recipes or Teas

Herbal Tea: Combine Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root) 5g, Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark) 5g, and Chao Gu Ya (Stir-baked Rice Sprout) 3g. Rinse well, place in a thermos, add boiling water, and steep for 15 minutes.
Usage: Ideal for those who experience lower back heaviness from prolonged sitting or standing. Drink 2 to 3 times a week.
Warning: Not suitable for those with Yin deficiency (internal heat), pregnant women, or women with heavy periods. This is a medicinal herb, not a daily beverage.

2. Preparation and Brewing Differences

Processed Forms: Sheng Xu Duan (Raw) is better for promoting blood flow and stopping pain. Yan Xu Duan (Salt-processed) is better for tonifying the Liver and Kidneys.
Brewing: It does not require special cooking times. Simply boil it in water for 20 to 30 minutes. Note that raw herbal dosages cannot be directly swapped with concentrated extract pills.

3. Dosage and Cycle

Dosage: Clinical prescriptions usually range from 9 to 15 grams. For dietary wellness, the dosage is strictly smaller—usually 3 to 5 grams per serving.
Cycle: Limit short-term wellness cycles to 1 to 2 weeks. Do not use it continuously long-term without consulting a practitioner.

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. Who Should Avoid It?

Yin Deficiency with Fire: Those with a red tongue, dry mouth, and night sweats should avoid it, as its warm nature will aggravate internal heat.
Pregnancy & Nursing: Must only be used under strict professional guidance to ensure safety for the mother and baby.
Children & Elderly: Dosages must be carefully adjusted by a professional.
Organ Dysfunction: Anyone with liver or kidney impairment must consult a doctor before use.
Allergies: Avoid if allergic to Dipsacaceae family plants.

2. Drug Interactions and Dietary Notes

Medication Interactions: Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root) may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, and blood sugar medications. It can alter their effectiveness. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are on chronic medication. Do not mix them on your own.

3. Adverse Reactions and Overdose Risks

Mild Reactions: Normal dosages are generally safe. Overuse may cause dry mouth, stomach upset, or internal heat.
Action Plan: If you experience significant discomfort, allergic symptoms, continuous vomiting, or breathing difficulties, stop use immediately and seek medical attention. Always follow a professional's dosage instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Xu Duan

What is Xu Duan? Are Du Zhong and Sang Ji Sheng the same?

Official Xu Duan (续断) is the dried root of Dipsacus asper. The pharmacopoeial name is Dipsaci Radix. Du Zhong is sweet-warm: supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and calms the fetus. Sang Ji Sheng is bitter-sweet and neutral: dispels wind-damp, supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and calms the fetus. Write Xu Duan. Use caution in early dysentery and qi depression.

What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Xu Duan?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Xu Duan is bitter, acrid and slightly warm, enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and acts to supplement the Liver and Kidney, strengthen sinew and bone, continue fractures and stop flooding. It is used for Liver-Kidney insufficiency, sore weak waist and knees, wind-damp impediment, falls and knocks, sinew injury and fracture, flooding and spotting, and fetal leakage. Bitter-acrid and slightly warm, it suits Liver-Kidney insufficiency and fracture—not early dysentery or excess heat without vacuity.

How do you choose raw, wine-processed and salt-processed root? Can Du Zhong replace it?

Wine-processed root is mostly used for wind-damp impediment, falls and fractures. Salt-processed root is mostly used for sore weak waist and knees. Eucommia leans to supplementing the waist and calming the fetus; it cannot replace continuing a fracture by equal weight. Commercial teasel tea is not equal-weight pieces.

What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a fetal tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 9–15 g. It is not a four-season “teasel fetal tea.” Fetal leakage needs pattern differentiation by a practitioner. Fracture needs orthopedic assessment; teasel alone is not enough.

What are the contraindications? Can it be used in pregnancy?

Unsuitable in early dysentery and excess heat without vacuity. Fetal leakage and flooding need a practitioner’s pattern differentiation; do not take it on your own as a fetal-calming herb. Stop and seek care if abdominal pain or vaginal bleeding appears. A displaced fracture is an emergency.

Can Xu Duan supplement the Liver and Kidney, strengthen sinew and bone, continue fractures and stop flooding?

It can help sore weak waist and knees and sinew injury from falls when the Liver and Kidney are insufficient. Fetal leakage joins dodder, mistletoe and donkey-hide gelatin in Shou Tai Wan. It supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone, continues fractures and stops flooding—not a specific for every fracture or every bleed.

Can Xu Duan be drunk daily as a bone, fetal or fracture tea?

Liver-Kidney insufficiency may enter a short formula; excess heat and early dysentery are unsuitable. “Teasel must knit bone” does not replace orthopedic assessment. Supplementing the Liver and Kidney, strengthening sinew and bone and continuing fractures should name 9–15 g, wine- or salt-processed.

How do you choose among Xu Duan, Du Zhong, Sang Ji Sheng, Gu Sui Bu and Niu Xi?

Teasel is bitter-acrid and slightly warm: supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone, continues fractures and stops flooding—falls and fetal leakage. Eucommia is sweet-warm: supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and calms the fetus—sore weak waist and knees. Mistletoe is bitter-sweet and neutral: dispels wind-damp, supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and calms the fetus—wind-damp with vacuity. Drynaria is bitter-warm: treats injury, stops pain, supplements the Kidney and strengthens bone—falls and fractures. Achyranthes is bitter-sour and neutral: expels stasis, frees the menses, supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and conducts Blood downward—waist and knees with stasis. Fracture favors Xu Duan (Shou Tai Wan is for fetal leakage); sore waist favors Du Zhong; wind-damp favors Sang Ji Sheng; bone injury favors Gu Sui Bu; conducting Blood downward favors Niu Xi. They may be paired after pattern differentiation; excess heat without vacuity forbids large Xu Duan.

Which herbs is Xu Duan combined with? What are the representative formulas?

Fetal leakage joins dodder, mistletoe and donkey-hide gelatin in Shou Tai Wan. Falls may join drynaria, Chinese angelica and chuanxiong after pattern differentiation. Write Xu Duan 9–15 g; do not replace continuing a fracture with eucommia by equal weight.

How do you choose and store Xu Duan?

Choose cylindrical roots, a gray-brown surface, an ink-green cortex on the cut face, a yellow-brown radiating wood, a faint aroma and a bitter, slightly sweet, then astringent taste. Moldy, moth-eaten, green-heart-free or dirty lots are discarded. Store dry and protect from moths. Buy pharmacopoeial Xu Duan; do not replace supplementing the Liver and Kidney, strengthening sinew and bone, continuing fractures and stopping flooding with eucommia or mistletoe by equal weight.

Related Products

Nong's Xu Duan (Himalayan Teasel Root) Single Herb 5:1 Concentrated Granules $49.11

Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.