Gu Sui Bu
Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm.
☯ TCM Properties
Treats Traumatic Injuries; Benefits the Kidneys and Strengthens the Bones; Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis; Strengthens the Sinews and Bones; Dispels Wind-Heat from the Skin
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Drynaria fortunei (syn. Drynaria roosii, Polypodiaceae), the oak-leaf fern or Gu Sui Bu, is an epiphytic or lithophytic perennial fern with a stout, long-creeping, densely scaly rhizome 1-2 cm thick covered in lustrous golden-brown ovate-lanceolate scales 1-1.5 cm long. Two distinct leaf types arise from the rhizome: sterile, sessile, oak-leaf-like nest leaves 5-9 cm long that turn brown and persist to trap leaf litter and humus, and large, deeply pinnatifid green foliage fronds 20-60 cm long borne on petioles, with sori arranged in two rows along each pinna lobe. Native to rocks, tree trunks, and old walls across southern China, Taiwan, Vietnam, Laos, and northern Thailand. The fleshy rhizome is harvested year-round and the golden scales scorched off before drying. (Sources: POWO; Wikipedia; Bensky)
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Gu Sui Bu (drynaria rhizome, "mend the broken bones" rhizome) is a warm herb named for its famous application in Chinese medicine as a bone-healing and fracture-knitting herb. It tonifies the Kidney Yang and Blood to strengthen bones and sinew, promotes Blood circulation to speed fracture healing, and expels Wind-Cold-Damp for joint pain and stiffness. It is also used topically for hair loss and tinnitus associated with Kidney deficiency. As both a tonic and circulation-promoting herb, it addresses both deficiency and obstruction in musculoskeletal conditions.
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.