Cibotium, Gou Ji 狗脊 ‘Golden Chicken Fern’Gou Ji (TCM) Cibotium barometzKoehler, F.E., Medizinal Pflanzen, vol. 4 (1890) Cibotium barometz rhizome(Photo by Mokkie) (Wikimedia) Botanical name: Cibotium barometz (syn. Aspidium barometz, Dicksonia barometz, Nephrodium baromez, Polypodium barometz) Parts used: Rhizome, either dried, or steamed, then sliced and dried. Temperature & Taste: Warm, dry. Bitter, Sweet Classifications: 3M. ARTHRITICSTCM:D. Clear Wind and Damp Uses: 1. Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, Strengthens the Bones and Joints:-stiffness, pain or weakness in the Spine or Lower Back or lower Limbs-weakness of the Knees or Legs, difficulty Walking-Sciatica, Lumbo-sacral degeneration-‘straightens rigid back and waist, smoothes the movements of the joints’ (Shen Nong Ben Cao)2. Clears Wind-Damp, Eases Pain:-Wind-Damp painful obstruction with Pain or Numbness-Rheumatic Arthralgia3. Strengthens the Kidneys, Retains the Essence:-Urinary incontinence-Leukorrhea with Kidney weakness-‘Greatly benefits the Elderly’ (Shen Nong Ben Cao)4. Externally:-it has been used to stop Bleeding (Ayurveda) Dose: Decoction: 9–15 grams Comment: 1. Its name and indications are derived from the fact that the root has many protuberances that looks like a Dog’s spine. Hence, it was realised through the Doctrine of Signatures.2. This plant is endangered and is listed on CITES. Preparation: 1. Scalded Cibotium Gou Ji:  Scald slices in hot sand…

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