Xu Duan - Theewortel - Radix Dipsaci

Xu Duan (Theewortel) is een warm, bitterzoet kruid in de Traditionele Chinese Geneeskunde (TCM) dat gewaardeerd wordt om zijn vermogen om de Lever en Nieren te versterken, de pezen en botten te versterken, bloedingen te stoppen en een onrustige foetus te kalmeren. De naam betekent "herstellen wat gebroken is" en weerspiegelt het traditionele gebruik ervan bij het genezen van verwondingen, het herstellen van breuken en het herstellen van kracht na fysieke schade of degeneratie. Xu Duan is vooral belangrijk in formules voor chronische lage rugpijn, zwakke knieën en aandoeningen die geassocieerd worden met een tekort aan Nier Yang. Het ondersteunt ook het herstel na een trauma, bevordert de bloedsomloop en helpt een miskraam te voorkomen in geval van een tekort.
Functies en voordelen
Tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, Strengthens Bones and SinewsReinforces the structure of the lower back, knees, and joints, improving mobility and stability in cases of weakness or degeneration.
Promotes Blood Circulation and Heals InjuriesStimulates healing of fractures, tendon injuries, and joint damage by improving circulation and providing nourishment to damaged tissues.
Stops Bleeding and Calms the FetusUsed in pregnancy to reduce the risk of miscarriage due to Liver and Kidney deficiency while also addressing spotting or bleeding from weakness.
Restores Strength After Physical InjurySupports recovery from sports injuries, chronic pain, and post-surgical weakness by nourishing and invigorating the musculoskeletal system.
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)✔ Individuals with chronic low back pain, weak knees, or joint instability.✔ People recovering from fractures, sprains, or tendon injuries.✔ Pregnant women with threatened miscarriage due to deficiency (under professional guidance).✔ Those with bleeding during pregnancy linked to weakness of Liver and Kidney.
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Pale with a thin coating, indicating deficiency of Liver and Kidney.Pulse: Deep and weak, reflecting underlying Kidney deficiency.
Related TCM PatternsLiver and Kidney Deficiency – Causes chronic musculoskeletal weakness, joint instability, and bone fragility.Blood Stasis from Trauma – Results in swelling, pain, and delayed healing.Threatened Miscarriage due to Deficiency – Presents with spotting, weakness, and lower abdominal heaviness.
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)Chronic Back and Knee Weakness – Strengthens joints and supports mobility.Fracture Healing – Promotes bone repair and reduces healing time.Sports Injuries – Helps repair tendons, ligaments, and muscles.Pregnancy Support – Stabilizes the fetus in cases of weakness-related spotting or bleeding.
Common Herbal Formulas with Xu DuanOften combined with Du Zhong for joint weakness, or with Gu Sui Bu for bone fractures and injuries. Paired with Dang Shen and Bai Zhu in pregnancy-support formulas.
Precautions & ContraindicationsAvoid in cases of Yin deficiency with heat signs.Not suitable for pregnancy if there are signs of excess heat or blood stasis without deficiency.Use with caution in acute injuries with significant swelling and inflammation.
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations✔ Include calcium-rich foods like sesame seeds, leafy greens, and bone broth to support bone strength.✔ Avoid excessive cold, raw foods that can weaken Kidney Yang.✔ Engage in gentle weight-bearing exercise to maintain bone density and joint stability.✔ Support healing with adequate rest and balanced nutrition after injury.
ConclusionXu Duan (Teasel Root) is a powerful TCM herb for strengthening the bones, tendons, and joints, healing injuries, stopping bleeding, and supporting a healthy pregnancy in deficiency patterns. Its restorative nature makes it an essential herb for both injury recovery and long-term musculoskeletal health.