Gou Ji
Cibotium barometz (L.) J. Sm.
☯ TCM Properties
Dispels Wind-Dampness; Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin; Strengthens the Lower Back and Knees; Strengthens the Sinews and Bones; Warms and Tonifies the Lower Origin
Botanical Description
Cibotium barometz is a large terrestrial tree fern in the Cibotiaceae, with a stout, semi-prostrate to short-erect rhizome densely covered in long, soft, silky, golden-yellow hairs — a feature that gave rise to the medieval legend of the "vegetable lamb of Tartary." The rhizome bears a crown of arching fronds 2-3 m long; the bipinnate to tripinnate fronds have a stout stipe whose base is shaggy with the same golden tomentum, and broadly lance-shaped, leathery, dark green pinnae. Sori are borne on the underside of pinnule margins and protected by bivalved indusia. It grows in moist forest understorey across southern China, Indochina, and Malesia, and is listed on CITES Appendix II.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Gou Ji (cibotium rhizome, chain fern rhizome) is a warm, bitter-sweet herb that tonifies Kidney Yang and Liver Blood, strengthens the sinew and bones, and expels Wind-Damp. Its dual action of tonifying and expelling makes it particularly suitable for lower back and knee pain from Kidney deficiency complicated by Wind-Cold-Damp obstruction — a pattern common in the elderly with chronic degenerative joint conditions. It also supports the Kidney's consolidating function to address urinary incontinence and excessive vaginal discharge.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.