Himalayan Teasel
续断 · Xù Duàn
Strengthens weak knees and steadies pregnancy
Properties
WarmingWarming botanicalBitter, Pungent
What it does
Himalayan teasel root strengthens chronically weak knees and sore lower back from long-term fatigue. In TCM, it supports the kidneys and liver, the systems that govern bones and tendons. It's also classically used to steady pregnancy when there's spotting or threatened miscarriage, and to ease post-trauma joint pain. One review explores postmenopausal bone health.
How to take it
Decoct 9–15g of dried teasel root in water for 25 minutes. Drink 1–2 cups daily as a long-term tonic for joints or under practitioner direction during pregnancy.
Try teasel tea during periods of chronic low back stiffness
Safety
- Generally well tolerated
- Specifically used during pregnancy under TCM supervision
- May affect blood pressure. Monitor if you take antihypertensives
- Stop if you develop unexpected bleeding or rash
- Talk to your doctor before starting, especially if you take medication
Where it comes from
Himalayan teasel (Dipsacus asper) grows in mountain valleys across the Himalayas, China, and Korea. The Chinese name Xù Duàn means 'continue-break,' a poetic reference to its bone-and-tendon-mending reputation. Classical TCM uses it in pregnancy formulas and orthopedic recovery formulas. The plant has spiny seed heads similar to its European cousin, but the medicinal use is uniquely East Asian.