Jigu Zhi

Jigu Zhi

　　Jigu Zhi, also known as Psoralea corylifolia, is one of the specialty medicinal herbs produced in Ji’an County. It earned the name "Jigu Zhi" because the highest quality Psoralea corylifolia is grown in Gujiang, Ji’an County, and is renowned nationwide. It contains rich components such as fatty oil, volatile oil, isopsoralen, organic acid glycosides, and alkali-soluble resin. It has multiple functions including warming the spleen and stopping diarrhea, nourishing kidney and strengthening yang, consolidating essence and reducing urination, as well as antibacterial and anti-parasitic effects. It is especially effective in treating conditions caused by insufficient kidney yang, such as impotence, spermatorrhea, premature ejaculation, back pain, frequent urination, enuresis, as well as cold-induced diarrhea and wheezing due to kidney deficiency.

Ji’an County has a long history of cultivating Jigu Zhi. According to Volume Four of the Luling County Annals under the category of medicinal herbs: “Jigu Zhi comes from the fields near Guan Di Temple in Gujiang Town, where the uniquely kidney-shaped variety is grown…” The herb is characterized by its large, plump, firm, slightly concave center, black surface, and a distinctive fishy-aromatic fragrance. For centuries, it has enjoyed continuous strong sales, with current annual production reaching approximately 18,000 kilograms. The county has also developed a range of Jigu Zhi products, among which the “Jigu Zhi Psoralea Wine” is the first of its kind in China and has been very popular with consumers since its launch.