Gǒu Jǐ (狗脊), known in English as Cibotium rhizome (Cibotium barometz), is a warm, bitter and sweet Chinese herb from the Expel wind-damp category. It enters the Liver and Kidney channels. Its main action: expels Wind-Damp.
| Pinyin | Gǒu Jǐ (Gou Ji) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 狗脊 |
| English | Cibotium rhizome |
| Botanical name | Cibotium barometz |
| Category | Expel wind-damp |
| Nature | Warm |
| Flavour | Bitter, Sweet |
| Channels | Liver, Kidney |
| Dosage | 6–12g |
| Cautions | Kidney deficiency with Heat; scanty dark urine |
Actions
- Expels Wind-Damp
- Tonifies Liver and Kidney, strengthens back and knees
Indications
- Wind-Damp Bi pain
- Sore, weak back and knees
- Weak lower limbs
How to remember Gǒu Jǐ
Expel wind-damp herbs are mostly bitter, and most enter the Liver and Kidney channels.
- You can work these out
- Bitter: like most Expel wind-damp herbs
- Liver and Kidney channels: from its action “Tonifies Liver and Kidney”
- Learn by heart
- Warm: Expel wind-damp herbs vary in nature
- Sweet: unusual for Expel wind-damp herbs (most are bitter)
Other Expel wind-damp herbs
- Dú Huó
- Qiāng Huó
- Wēi Líng Xiān
- Fáng Jǐ
- Mù Guā
- Sāng Jì Shēng
- Wǔ Jiā Pí
- Luò Shí Téng
- Xī Xiān Cǎo
- Qín Jiāo
- Hǎi Tóng Pí
- Sāng Zhī
- Bái Huā Shé
- Cǎo Wū
- Hǎi Fēng Téng
- Chuān Wū
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Gǒu Jǐ?
Gǒu Jǐ is warm and bitter and sweet.
Which channels does Gǒu Jǐ enter?
Gǒu Jǐ enters the Liver and Kidney channels.
What are the actions of Gǒu Jǐ?
Expels Wind-Damp; Tonifies Liver and Kidney, strengthens back and knees.
What is Gǒu Jǐ used for?
Wind-Damp Bi pain; sore, weak back and knees; weak lower limbs.
Practise Gǒu Jǐ and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.