Xù Duàn (续断) — Teasel root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Xù Duàn (续断) — Dipsacus asper — is known in English as Teasel root. It belongs to the category of Yang tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Xù Duàn as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Xù Duàn |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 续断 |
| Latin name | Dipsacus asper |
| English name | Teasel root |
| Nature | slightly warm |
| Flavour | bitter, sweet, acrid |
| Channels entered | Liver, Kidney |
| Category | Yang tonics |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies the Liver and Kidney
- Strengthens the sinews and bones — the most important herb for fractures and connective tissue repair
- Calms the fetus and prevents miscarriage
- Promotes circulation and relieves pain
- Stops uterine bleeding
Indications
- Recurrent miscarriage from Kidney deficiency — combined with Tu Si Zi and Sang Ji Sheng
- Threatened miscarriage with lower back pain
- Fractures, sprains and tendon injuries — promotes healing of bone and connective tissue
- Low back and knee ache from Kidney and Liver deficiency
- Uterine bleeding from Kidney deficiency
- Osteoporosis
4. Key formulas containing Xù Duàn
Xù Duàn appears in the following key formulas:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Dipsacus asper (Xu Duan, Teasel root) is one of the most important herbs for both musculoskeletal repair and fertility preservation in TCM. Key bioactive constituents include saponins (dipsacoside), alkaloids (acanthamine), iridoids and chlorogenic acid. Research confirms significant osteoblast-stimulating activity (promoting bone formation — relevant to fracture healing and osteoporosis), anti-inflammatory effects on connective tissue, uterine-protective effects that stabilise the uterine lining, and oestrogenic activity. Xu Duan is a primary constituent of the classical miscarriage prevention formula Shou Tai Wan alongside Tu Si Zi, Sang Ji Sheng and E Jiao.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Generally well tolerated. Use with caution in excess patterns without underlying Kidney deficiency. Avoid in patients with Wind-Heat invasion.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Xù Duàn as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Miscarriage, Fertility, Back pain, Sports injuries. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
