Nature: acrid, bitter, very warm
Enters: Kidney, Spleen
Actions: Tonifies kidney Yang; controls Jing and urine; tonifies and warms spleen Yang, stops diarrhea; helps the kidneys grasp the Lung Qi.
Indications:
• Kidney Yang deficiency: impotence, cold and pain in the lumbar region and knees, weak lower back and extremities, premature ejaculation; frequent urination, urinary incontinence, enuresis, nocturnal emissions without dreams.
• Spleen Yang deficiency (usually with kidney Yang deficiency): severe, chronic diarrhea, borborygmus, abdominal pain.
• Kidneys fail to grasp the Lung Qi: wheezing.
• This herb can be hard on the stomach, but is still sometimes used cautiously for cold deficiency of the stomach.
• Topical: alopecia, psoriasis, vitiligo (especially in combination with UV light), fungus. Caution with sun/UV exposure with this herb on the skin – increases risk of sunburn.
• May dilate coronary vessels.
• With Chi shi zhi, it can stop menorrhagia.
• Bu gu zhi’s kidney-tonifying properties are more pronounced than its spleen-warming qualities. The opposite is the case with Yi zhi ren.
• Topical vitiligo formula: in a base of coconut oil, extract on low heat: Bu gu zhi, barberry root bark (Western herb), and nigella (black cumin) seed (or just add cold pressed nigella seed oil to this formula).
• Crush before using.
Dr. Hong Jin (Oregon College of Oriental Medicine) Modern research shows hormonal (estrogen-like) effects.
• Uses in acne formula.
Dui Yao (Sionneau): Strengthens true Yang; warms the cinnabar field.
• With Hu tao ren to supplement metal and water, to effectively constrain the Lung Qi and promote the intake of Qi by the kidneys, stop cough, and calm asthma. For the following indications, salt-processed Bu gu zhi should be used:
– 1. Cough, dyspnea, and asthma due to kidney Yang deficiency.
– 2. Lumbago, impotence, seminal emission, constipation, frequent and abundant urination, and enuresis due to kidney Qi deficiency.
• With Rou dou kou to supplement spleen and kidney Yang, secure the intestines, and stop daybreak or “cock-crow” diarrhea. For indications such as:
– 1. Chronic diarrhea due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. (Si Shen Wan) Use salt mix-fried Bu gu zhi and roasted Rou dou kou.
– 2. Daybreak diarrhea with abdominal pain and rumbling noises due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency. (Er Shen Wan)
• Bu gu zhi is incompatible with pork blood.
Hong-Yen Hsu (Oriental Materia Medica): Dilates coronary arteries, stimulates the heart, increases rate and function.
• Antibacterial (tuberculosis).
• External use promotes production of melanin – used to treat calluses and warts.
• May have anti-cancer effects – inhibits artificially-induced tumors.
• Therapeutic action against Tinea versicolor and psoriasis.
Dose: 3-9g