Manyprinckle Acanthopanax

Primarily produced in Hebei and northeastern China.

Rhizome is irregular knotted cylindrical shape, 1.4~4.2cm diameter; externally grayish-brown, with wrinkles; apex has thin branches with adventitious bud. Root is cylindrical with many branches, often twisted, 3.5~12cm long, 0.3~1.5cm diameter; externally grayish-brown or black-brown, rough, with thin skin; peeling-off position is grayish-yellow. Hard texture; fractured surface is yellowish-white and fibrous. Distinctive aromatic odor; slightly acrid and bitter and astringent taste.

Superior medicinal material has an intact cortex, a yellowish-white fractured surface, and a potent aroma.

Acrid, slightly bitter; warm.

Boosts qi, fortifies the spleen, supplements the kidney, strengthens the muscles and bones; invigorates blood and veins. Apply to wind-cold and damp impediment, pain of waist and knees, muscle and bone flaccidity, slow movement, body deficiency, traumatic injury, fracture, edema, beriberi, vaginal damp and itch.