Tonify Yang: Bu Gu Zhi

bu gu zhi

bu = restore
gu = skeleton
zhi = grease / lard

补骨脂 fructus psoraleae corylifoliae

Kidneys
Spleen

acrid
bitter
very warm or HOT

Summary of functions in pictures:
Bu Gu Zhi for Impotence

Bu Gu Zhi for Wheezing (KD not grasping qi)


Bu Gu Zhi for Diarrhea due to yang deficiency in Spleen and Kidneys

And Bu Gu Zhi topically for vitiligo (skin pigment loss) and alopecia and psoriasis.


In Chinese medicine, Bu Gu Zhi is said to astringe kidneys to hold in primal yang, and astringe spleen to stop diarrhea. Through astringing and warming the Kidneys and Spleen, Bu Gu Zhi assists with the following symptoms / conditions:

impotence / premature ejaculation
enuresis / urinary frequency
cold painful lower back / weak lower back & extremities

helps Kidneys grasp qi (wheezing)

stops diarrhea due to cold from deficiency in spleen and kidneys

and finally, Bu Gu Zhi is said to help with pigmentation loss in the skin (vitiligo), alopecia (sudden hair loss), and psoriasis when applied topically


Bu Gu Zhi, and isolated chemical compounds found in it, have been studied by the "Western" biomedical scientific community (research occurring in Asia as well). The seed has been found to serve as a Dopamine transporter, Noradrenaline transporter, and reuptake inhibitor; it may be developed into new medicines for disorders such as Parkinson's disease, depression, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or cocaine addiction. Other research has shown that Bu Gu Zhi is associated with hepatotoxicity in some individuals (toxic to the liver) and should be used with caution, particularly when applying it topically.

It is contraindicated for use with yin deficient heat constipation (due to its very warm / hot nature).