Chang Shan (Chicken Bone) (Cylindrical, wavy, twisted, brownish-yellow, wrinkled, easy to peel outer skin, solid texture)
Chang Shan Slice (Radial texture)
【Naming】n
n 【Source】n
Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic, Lower Grade
n 【Common Usage Level】n
E
n 【Botanical Origin】n
The root of Dichroa febrifuga Lour. in the Saxifragaceae family.
n 【Characteristics】n
This product is slightly cylindrical, often wavy and curved, about 10~30㎝ or more in length and 0.3~2.5㎝ in diameter. The upper end is connected to the rhizome or stem, and the lower part sometimes branches. The surface is yellowish-brown to grayish-brown, with obvious dark longitudinal textures. The cortex sometimes falls off, exposing the yellow xylem. The texture is firm and hard to break.nThe sliced form is transversely or obliquely cut into circular or irregularly elliptical thin slices, about 0.5~1㎜ thick. Usually, the cortex has been removed, and only a few residues remain on the edges. The xylem is yellow, and obvious whitish radial textures can be seen. The transverse section of the rhizome has a loose pith or is hollow. Wine-processed Chang Shan is slightly yellowish.
n 【Processing】n
1. Raw Chang Shan 2. Wine-Chang Shan 3. Vinegar-Chang Shan
n 【Identification】n
“The Chang Shan from Shu (Sichuan) must be used,” according to *Wai Tai Mi Yao*. *Zheng Lei Ben Cao* states, “The one that resembles chicken bones is good.” *Pu Ji Fang* says, “Chang Shan that looks like chicken bones is of good quality.” *Ben Cao Chong Yuan* says, “The one that looks like Vitex root, thin, solid, and yellow, is called Chicken Bone Chang Shan, and it is the best to use.” *Ben Cao Bei Yao* states, “The one that looks like chicken bones is good.”nIt is best to choose the ones that are yellow in color, firm in texture, heavy in weight, and free from insect damage. The ones produced in Sichuan are yellow in color, hard in texture, particularly bitter in taste, and curved in shape like chicken bones, also known as “Chicken Bone Chang Shan,” and are of superior quality. Roots that are thick, long, straight, loose in texture, deep yellow in color, and without bitterness should not be used.
n 【Identification Terminology】n
1. Woody Nature (Chai Xing): High degree of lignification, breaking like dry firewood, such as Chang Shan, Guang Dou Gen, etc.n2. Chicken Bone Chang Shan: Chang Shan is hard, thin, smooth, and shaped like chicken bones.
n 【Category】n
Roots
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