Witnessed by: TCM
Cibotium (Cibotium barometz), of the Cibotiaceae family. Large tree-fern of humid mountain forest; native range: warm forests of southern China and Southeast Asia. Globally recognized as gou ji (狗脊) in Chinese, and woolly fern, golden chicken fern, scythian lamb in English. The part used is rhizome. Thick woody rhizome clad in soft golden-brown hairs, hard and faintly sweet within.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
CIBOTIUM
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- cibotium
- Scientific name
- Cibotium barometz (L.) J.Sm.
- Family
- Cibotiaceae
Form
- Part used
- rhizome
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · sweet
Temperature
- TCM
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Kidney
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- tonifies Liver and Kidney, strengthens the sinews and bones, expels wind-dampness, warms and secures the lower back
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in yin deficiency with heat and in painful or scanty dark urination
- Toxicity
- no significant toxicity reported at usual doses
- Sourcing status
- cites-ii
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