Barbodes denticulatus denticulatus（Oshima）
Aliases：Qingzhu (literally "Green Bamboo"), Qingyu (literally "Green Fish"), Zhuba (literally "Bamboo Barbel"), Qingzhuli (literally "Green Bamboo Carp"), and Qingfuli (literally "Green Crucian Carp"). (These are all alternative names for Bayu, i.e., Barbodes denticulatus denticulatus / Spinibarbus denticulatus.)
Bayu (Barbel) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the meat of Barbodes denticulatus denticulatus (Oshima) (also known as Spinibarbus denticulatus), a fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae. It lives in the upper reaches of rivers, inhabiting crevices among rocks and deep-water stone caves. It was first recorded in Yao Kecheng's Shiwu Bencao (Food Materia Medica).
Efficacy & Actions
Tonifies Kidney Yang and strengthens the lower back and knees; mainly strengthens the Yang pathway and warms the Middle Jiao to supplement deficiency.
Indications
Kidney deficiency with impotence, and soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees.
Ingredients
The muscle contains proteins, peptides, amino acids, fats, cholesterol, carotene, glucose‑6‑phosphodehydrogenase, and lactate dehydrogenase. The brain contains acetylcholinesterase.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: cooked and eaten, 50–100 g; or dried in the sun, ground into powder, and made into pills or powders.
Contraindications
Should be used with caution in patients with heat syndromes or Yin‑blood deficiency. Contraindicated in patients with digestive tract diseases. This herb is slightly toxic and should be used under the guidance of a physician.
Daily Consumption
For cooking and eating: take 50–100 g of barbel meat, wash it thoroughly, and cook it in soup or stew for consumption.
Medicinal Parts
It is the meat of Barbodes denticulatus denticulatus (Oshima) (also known as Spinibarbus denticulatus), a fish belonging to the family Cyprinidae.
Selection & Storage
Use fresh, or store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
