Gou Ji (Chain Fern) (Golden Brown)
Gou Ji (Chain Fern) slices
Black Bean processed Gou Ji (Chain Fern) slices
Black Bean processed Gou Ji (Chain Fern) slices
Gou Ji (Chain Fern) slices (edges are warped and curled, hard and firm)
Gou Ji (Chain Fern) slices
【Naming】
【Source】
Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic – Medium Grade
【Common Usage Level】
C
【Botanical Origin】
The rhizome of the Cibotiaceae fern Cibotium barometz (L.) J. Smith.
【Characteristics】
The rhizome is an irregularly shaped, elongated mass, 8-18 cm long and 3-7 cm in diameter, covered with shiny, golden-yellow villous hairs. The upper part has several brownish-red, woody petioles, and the middle and lower parts are densely covered with numerous brownish-black fine roots. It is hard, difficult to break, odorless, and has a slightly astringent taste.
Prepared slices are irregularly elongated or oval. Longitudinal slices are about 6-20 cm long and 3-5 cm wide; transverse slices are 2.5-5 cm in diameter, with uneven edges. The surface of raw Gou Ji (Chain Fern) slices may sometimes have residual golden-yellow villous hairs. There is a distinct brownish-yellow ring 3-5 mm from the outer skin. The rings of longitudinal slices are often discontinuous. The surface is close to dark brown, smooth, and fine, while the interior is light brown, rougher, and powdery. It is hard to break and has a slightly astringent taste. Cooked Gou Ji (Chain Fern) slices are dark brown or brownish-yellow, with longitudinal grooves, and other characteristics are the same as raw ones. It is hard and brittle, odorless and tasteless.
【Processing】
1. Raw product 2. Cooked Gou Ji (Chain Fern) processed with Black Bean
【Identification】
《Herbal Compendium of Essentials》: “The root with golden hairs is the best.” Commercial products are divided into Gou Ji (Chain Fern) strips (complete ones) and Gou Ji (Chain Fern) slices. 1. Gou Ji (Chain Fern) strips: The best ones are long, firm, and covered with yellowish-brown villous hairs. 2. Gou Ji (Chain Fern) slices: The best ones are uniformly thick, have shiny surfaces, are pure black inside, firm, hairless, and not hollow.
【Identification Terminology】
Golden Hair Gou Ji (Chain Fern): Gou Ji (Chain Fern) is thick and large, the surface is densely covered with golden-yellow villous hairs with luster, and the overall shape is like a golden-haired dog.
【Chapter】
Rhizomes