Illustrated Materia Medica

Page Three

Bone-Mender (Gusuibu)

Bone-Mender grows in the regions of Jiangnan, Huai, Zhe, Shaanxi, and the Kui Circuit; it is also found in various other prefectures and commanderies. The roots grow upon large trees or rocks, primarily in shaded areas. It extends its roots in long strands covered with fine yellow hairs and small attached leaves. It also possesses larger leaves that form branches; the upper surface is a lush green, while the underside is marked with yellow spots. These "yellow spots" refer to the sori, or spore clusters, typical of ferns. Other varieties may have a bluish-white underside with reddish-purple spots. The leaves sprout in the spring and turn dry and yellow by winter. It produces neither flowers nor fruit.

Only the root is used for medicinal purposes. It may be harvested at any time of year. Before use, the fine hairs must be scraped or singed off. Its original name was Macaque Ginger original: "Husunjiang" (胡孫薑). "Husun" is an old term for macaque or monkey, and "jiang" means ginger, likely referring to the appearance of the rhizome.. However, because the Tang Emperor Xuanzong original: "Tang Minghuang" (唐明皇), reigned 712–756 AD found it to be extraordinarily effective for treating fractures and traumatic injuries, he bestowed upon it its current name, "Bone-Mender." It is also known by the name Stone Anlu original: "Shianlü" (石菴䕡)..

Its flavor is bitter, its nature is warm, and it is non-toxic. It is primarily used to break up stagnant blood, stop bleeding, and repair fractures or injuries. It also treats gnashing-breath 齘氣 (xieqi): an archaic term for a condition involving the involuntary gnashing of teeth or dental disorders caused by "wind" or "dampness", toothaches, bleeding gums, loosening of the teeth, and localized itching or pain.