Gou Ji (狗脊) — Chain Fern Rhizome
Gou Ji is a specific Chinese herb for low back and knee weakness with Kidney and Liver deficiency. Combined with Sang Ji Sheng and Du Zhong it forms the classical trio for chronic lumbar dysfunction in the elderly.
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Dosage
- Cautions and incompatibilities
- Key formulas
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Gou Ji (狗脊) — Chain Fern Rhizome (Cibotium barometz (rhizome)) — is a Chinese herb in the Tonify Yang (Kidney) category. I prescribe it as part of bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Gou Ji |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 狗脊 |
| Latin name | Cibotium barometz (rhizome) |
| English name | Chain Fern Rhizome |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Bitter, sweet |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Category | Tonify Yang (Kidney) |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies Kidney and Liver
- Strengthens back and knees
- Dispels Wind-Damp
Indications
- Chronic low back pain and knee weakness
- Cold-type sciatica
- Urinary frequency in the elderly
- Post-partum lumbar weakness
4. Dosage
6–15g
5. Cautions and incompatibilities
- Reduce in Yin-deficient Heat
- Not for damp-Heat Bi
6. Key formulas
Gou Ji is used in a range of bespoke prescriptions rather than a fixed classical formula in modern practice. Consult a qualified TCM herbalist for individual prescription.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Gou Ji where its indications and TCM pattern match the patient’s presentation, always as part of a tailored formula. Return to the Chinese herbs directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
