Bu Gu Zhi (Fructus Psoraleae)

Bu Gu Zhi

Bu Gu Zhi (Fructus Psoraleae) is from the fruits of Psoalea corylifolia L., family Leguminosae. The medicinal material is harvested in autumn and dried for use. It is used either crudely or after being stir-baked with a salty solution.

Category: Tonifying – Yang Tonifying.

Common Name: Psoralea Fruit.

Channels Entered: Kidney and Spleen.

Properties and Functions: Bu Gu Zhi is pungent and bitter in flavour, and warm in nature. Its main functions are:

  • Tonifying the Kidneys and strengthening Yang to consolidate the essence.
  • Warms the Spleen and stops diarrhoea.
  • Topical use in tincture form for treatment of vitiligo.

Indications: It is applied clinically for treating the following:

  • Kidney Yang deficiency manifesting as impotence, noctural emission, cold pain of the waist and knees or weakness of lower back and extremities, enuresis.
  • Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency manifesting as chronic diarrhoea.
  • It can be processed into a tincture for external application to treat vitiligo and alopecia areata.

Dosage: 5 – 10g

Cautions and Contra-Indications: It is contra-indicated for hyperactivity of Fire due to Yin deficiency and also in cases of constipation.