Botanical Overview
Dipsacus asper, commonly known as Wild Teasel or Rough Teasel and referred to as Xuduan in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a perennial plant of the Caprifoliaceae family indigenous to East Asia including China, Japan, and Korea. The primary medicinal part used is the root.
Energetics
The root is considered cooling in temperature and moistening in moisture nature, with bitter and acrid tastes. It exhibits ascending directionality, tonifying properties, and primarily influences the body’s qi.
Primary Actions
- Bone tonic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Analgesic
- Fracture healing promoter
Indications
Western
- Bone fractures
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Inflammation
- Wounds
Syndromes
- Delayed fracture healing
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Skin ulcers
TCM
- Lower back pain
- Knee weakness
- Cold-damp bi syndrome
- Fracture pain
Syndromes
- Kidney yang deficiency
- Blood stasis in meridians
- Wind-damp obstruction syndrome
Ayurveda
No well-supported traditional uses documented.
Unani
No well-supported traditional uses documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Dipsacus asper root contains iridoids, saponins, triterpenoids, and caffeic acid derivatives, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory and bone-healing properties.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction of root 6-12 g daily
- Powdered root 3-9 g daily
- Tincture of root 1-3 mL, 2-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
It is generally safe in traditional dosages. Avoid use during pregnancy due to insufficient safety data. Use cautiously in patients with bleeding disorders or concurrently taking anticoagulants due to potential additive blood-thinning effects.
Astrological Correspondences
No verified planetary or elemental rulers documented with sufficient confidence.
Selected References
- Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica by Bensky & Gamble, 1993
- Pharmacological activities of Dipsacus asper Wall and its main constituents: A review – Zhang et al., 2018
- Plant Resources of South-East Asia No. 12(1) – Lamb & Sritabutra, 1998