Dipsacus asper Wall. ex C.B.Clarke
Teasel Root (Dipsacus asper -- Chuan Xu Duan) is a foundational TCM herb for tonifying Liver and Kidney, strengthening tendons and bones, and invigorating Blood. It gained prominence in Lyme-literate naturopathic practice through the work of Matthew Wood and subsequent integration into protocols including those of Dr. Myriah Hinchey ND, primarily for musculoskeletal and connective tissue support during Borrelia-related illness.
Curcuma longa extract
Curcumin is the primary bioactive polyphenol extracted from turmeric root. It modulates multiple inflammatory pathways simultaneously - including NF-κB, COX-2, and key cytokines - but its clinical impact depends entirely on the formulation. Standard curcumin without a bioavailability enhancer is poorly absorbed; piperine, phospholipid complexes, and nanoparticle delivery systems can increase absorption by up to 2,000%.
| Decision signal |
Teasel Root |
Curcumin |
| Evidence grade |
Emerging |
Moderate |
| Primary health goal |
Immune Healing Support |
Inflammation & Recovery |
| Research focus |
Connective tissue and joint support in Lyme-related musculoskeletal patterns; Liver and Kidney Qi tonification (TCM); Blood circulation and tendon-bone nourishment |
Joint comfort and osteoarthritis support; Exercise recovery and DOMS reduction; Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress |
| Studied dose and form |
1--3 mL tincture (1:5) 3x daily, or 500--1000 mg dried root extract. Often used as a long-term tonic in Lyme protocols. Matthew Wood protocol: start with low dose and increase gradually. |
Curcumin + piperine (BioPerine®) ... 500–1,500 mg curcuminoids + 5–20 mg piperine ... With a fat-containing meal; split into 2 doses if >1,000 mg |
| What to check on the label |
Check the label for a clearly named form, disclosed dose and independent testing. |
Formulation is everything with curcumin - this is not a supplement where higher milligrams on the label equals better outcomes. A product with 1,500 mg of unformulated 95% curcuminoid extract and no bioavailability enhancer will produce lower serum concentrations than 500 mg of a… |
| Main safety note |
Generally well tolerated; avoid in pregnancy; limited modern drug interaction data -- use with practitioner guidance in complex medication regimens; evidence base is largely traditional and observational. |
Curcumin is well tolerated at standard doses; GI upset (nausea, loose stools) is the most common side effect and usually resolves with dose reduction or taking it with food. Curcumin inhibits platelet aggregation and potentiates anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications (warfari… |
This comparison organizes educational ingredient research. It does not establish that either supplement is appropriate for you and it does not compare a specific commercial product.
