Osmundae Rhizoma
Aliases：Cat Fern、Moth Seven、Moon Leaf、Tiger Tooth、Water Bone Vegetable、Foot Fern、Foot Orchid Fern、Wild Chicken Feather、Big-leaf Wolf Fern、Hairy Guanzhong
Ziqi is a collective term for medicinal plants of the genus Osmunda (family Osmundaceae). Different parts of this plant can be used medicinally, including the rhizome and petiole bases (commonly known as “Ziqi Guanzhong”), as well as the woolly hairs on tender shoots or young petioles (commonly known as “Ziqi Miao”).
Efficacy & Actions
1. Ziqi Guanzhong: clear heat and resolve toxin, stop bleeding, eliminate parasites. 2. Ziqi Miao: stop bleeding.
Indications
1. Ziqi Guanzhong is indicated for: epidemic common cold, diarrhea and dysentery due to Heat Toxin, boils, sores and toxic swellings, hemoptysis, epistaxis, hematochezia, flooding and spotting (metrorrhagia), and abdominal pain due to intestinal parasites. 2. Ziqi Miao is indicated for: external traumatic bleeding.
Modern Pharmacology
Ziqi Guanzhong has the effects of anthelmintic (anti-parasitic), antiviral, and inhibiting blood coagulation, among others.
Ingredients
The rhizome contains dryocrassin (northeast guanzhong su) and various lactones, such as osmundalactone, 5-hydroxy-2-hexenoic acid-4-lactone, 5-hydroxyhexanoic acid-4-lactone, 3-hydroxyhexanoic acid-5-lactone, glucosylosmundalactone, dihydroisoglucosylosmundalactone, and 2-deoxy-2-ribopyranolactone. It also contains flavonol glycosides such as osmundalin, methyl 5-hydroxy-3-(β-D-glucopyranosyloxy)hexanoate, maltol-β-D-glucopyranoside, 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furfural, glycerol, succinic acid, ponasterone A, ecdysterone, ecdysone, and polysaccharides.
Usage & Dosage
1. Ziqi Guanzhong: Internal use: decoction, 5–9 g. 2. Ziqi Miao: External use: appropriate amount; fresh herb crushed for topical application, or dried herb ground into powder for application.
Contraindications
1. Potential Interactions with Western Medications Ziqi Guanzhong exhibits various pharmacological activities, including antiviral and antimicrobial effects. If taken concurrently with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin) or antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin), it may theoretically increase the risk of bleeding. Caution is advised when combining these medications. 2. Avoid Concurrent Use with Cold‑Natured Substances This herb is cold in nature. Simultaneous use with cold‑natured foods (e.g., watermelon) or other cold‑natured medicinals may intensify irritation to the spleen and stomach, potentially leading to abdominal pain, diarrhea, or other discomforts. 3. Dietary Restrictions During Medication While taking Ziqi Guanzhong, it is advisable to avoid spicy, greasy foods and strong tea, as they may interfere with drug absorption and reduce therapeutic efficacy.
Selected Formulas
1. Prevention and treatment of encephalitis Formula: 15–30 g of (Ziqi) rhizome and 15 g of Isatidis Folium (Daqingye). Preparation and usage: Decoct in water and take orally. (Source: Hunan Materia Medica) 2. Treatment of leukorrhea (vaginal discharge) Formula for general leukorrhea: 5–6 pieces of young rhizome (scales removed) of Ziqi. Decoct in water, mix with white sugar and take orally. For yellow, foul-smelling leukorrhea: Ziqi, Plantaginis Herba (Cheqiancao), and Pteridis Multifidae Herba (Fengweicao) – 15 g each; Coicis Semen (Chuangu) root – 30 g; red dates (Jujube) – 5–7 pieces. Decoct in water and take orally. (Source: Zhejiang Folk Common Herbal Medicine) 3. Treatment of abdominal distension and pain, constipation, emaciation, and pinworm infestation Formula: 21–24 g of (Ziqi) rhizome, 21–24 g of Buddleja (Yegangzi) (Buddleja lindleyana), 12–15 g of Agrimoniae Herba (Xianhecao), and 15–18 g of Serissae Radix (Baimagu, also known as June snow root). Preparation and usage: Decoct in water and take once in the morning and once in the evening before meals. Dietary taboo: Avoid sour, spicy foods, mustard greens, radish, etc. (Source: Tianmu Mountain Medicinal Flora) 4. Treatment of hookworm infection Formula ①: 30 g of (Ziqi) rhizome, 18 g of Stemonae Radix (Baibu), and 15 g of Stellerae Radix (Langdu). For debilitated patients, reduce Langdu to 6–9 g. Preparation and usage: Decoct in water and take orally for 3 consecutive doses. Formula ②: 6 g of Ziqi, 3 g each of Langdu and Baibu. Preparation and usage: Grind into powder and swallow. One dose per day. (Source: Zhejiang Folk Common Herbal Medicine) 5. Treatment of unidentified boils and swellings Formula: Appropriate amount of fresh Ziqi and a small amount of white sugar. Preparation and usage: Crush together and apply topically. (Source: Jiangxi Herbal Medicine) 6. Treatment of fistula Formula (external): Fresh rhizome of Ziqi, crushed with cooked rice and applied topically to the affected area. Formula (internal): Additionally, take 30 g of (Ziqi) rhizome, steam with yellow wine (huangjiu) and take orally. (Source: Zhejiang Folk Common Herbal Medicine) 7. Treatment of plantar tissue inflammation (sole infection) For unruptured cases: 15 g of (Ziqi) rhizome (outer skin removed), crushed with salt and applied topically. For ruptured (ulcerated) cases: Crush with white sugar instead of salt and apply topically. (Source: Zhejiang Folk Common Herbal Medicine) 8. Treatment of external traumatic bleeding Formula ①: Fresh tender shoots (young leaves) of Ziqi, crushed and applied topically to the wound. (Source: Guangxi Chinese Herbal Medicine Selection) Formula ②: The woolly hairs on young petioles of Ziqi, dried in the oven, ground into powder, and applied topically. (Source: Compilation of National Chinese Herbal Medicine)
Daily Consumption
The young sprouts of Ziqi, commonly known as “Wei Cai,” are a traditional wild edible vegetable with a long history of consumption in China. Common cooking methods: Blanch the sprouts in boiling water, then use them in cold salads, stir-fried dishes, soups, or as fillings. Drying and storage: For long‑term preservation, dry the sprouts in the sun or by low heat to produce dried Wei Cai. Before use, rehydrate them in warm water, then stew with meat or stir‑fry. Creative preparation: Lightly coat the sprouts in batter and deep‑fry them as tempura, or use them as a side dish in bento boxes — a distinctive and flavorful option. Medicinal dietary use: Because of its health benefits, Wei Cai is often used in nourishing soups or sweet dishes. For example, it can be stewed with pork ribs or chicken, or made into red date and Wei Cai congee, or Wei Cai honey water. Dietary benefits (traditional Chinese medicine perspective): Consuming Wei Cai is believed to clear heat and moisten the lung, nourish yin and generate fluids, as well as tonify and beautify the skin.
Medicinal Parts
Rhizome and petiole bases (commonly known as “Ziqi Guanzhong”); tender shoots or woolly hairs on young petioles (commonly known as “Ziqi Miao”).
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container. For Ziqi Guanzhong Charcoal (carbonized product), spread it out to cool and dissipate heat to prevent re-ignition.