Polystichum tsus-simense (Hook.) J. Sm.
Aliases：Máo Jiǎo Jī (literally "Hairy‑footed Chicken" — named for the densely scaly rhizome base resembling a hairy chicken foot), Jué Qí (literally "Fern Stalk" — a common name for fern-like plants), Xiàn Jī Wěi (literally "Threaded Chicken Tail" — named for the slender, linear leaf segments resembling a chicken's tail feathers); Xiǎo Yè Jīn Jī Wěi Bā Cǎo (literally "Small‑Leaved Golden Chicken‑Tail Grass"); and Xiǎo Yǔ Duì Mǎ ěr Jué (literally "Small‑Pinnule Tsushima Holly Fern" — a variety or smaller form of the species). (These are all alternative names for Duì Mǎ ěr Jué, i.e., the rhizome or tender leaf of Polystichum tsus-simense / Tsushima Holly Fern.)
Duì Mǎ ěr Jué (Tsushima Holly Fern) is a traditional Chinese medicinal material. It is the rhizome or tender leaf of Polystichum tsus-simense (Hook.) J. Sm., a plant belonging to the family Dryopteridaceae. It grows beside streams under forests on slopes or in rock crevices at altitudes of 400–3,000 meters.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, removes toxicity, cools blood, and resolves stasis.
Indications
Dysentery, red, swollen and painful eyes, breast abscess (mastitis), sores, boils and toxic swellings, hemorrhoidal bleeding, and burns and scalds.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, the usual dosage is 10–15 g. For topical application: apply an appropriate amount, mashed, to the affected area.
Contraindications
Some sources list it as slightly toxic; use under medical supervision.
Selected Formulas
For red, swollen, and painful eyes (empirical formula) Take 30g of the rhizome of Dui Ma Er Jue (Polystichum tsus-simense, scales removed), decoct in water, add an appropriate amount of white sugar, and drink.
Medicinal Parts
Rhizome or tender leaf.
Selection & Storage
Store in a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
