Witnessed by: TCM
Teasel root (Dipsacus asper), of the Caprifoliaceae family. Spiny biennial or perennial herb; native range: mountains of south-western China. Globally recognized as xu duan (续断) in Chinese. The part used is root. Twisted greenish-brown root, wrinkled and fibrous, bitter then faintly sweet.
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.
TEASEL ROOT
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- teasel root
- Scientific name
- Dipsacus asper Wall. ex DC.
- Family
- Caprifoliaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · pungent · sweet
Temperature
- TCM
- warm (slightly)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Kidney
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- tonifies the Liver and Kidney, strengthens the sinews and bones, moves the blood, calms the restless fetus and stops uterine bleeding, promotes knitting of fractures
Cautions
- Contraindications
- avoid in wind-heat or where there is heat from yin deficiency
- Toxicity
- none noted
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