Golden chicken fern (Cibotium barometz), also called "lông cu li," is a large fern commonly found in moist mountain forests, especially prevalent in the northern mountainous region of Vietnam. In traditional medicine, the main medicinal part is the rhizome (a large tuberous root covered in golden hairs) with many benefits.

Botanical Description:
The rhizome segment, after removing the outer brown-yellow hairs, has a very rough, knobby surface with bumps, colored brown or reddish-brown, measuring 2 to 5 cm in diameter and 4 to 10 cm long. It is very hard, difficult to cut or break; some brown-yellow hairs may remain. The medicinal material is usually cut into thin slices of varying shapes, with a smooth cross-section that is pinkish-brown or light brown with veins.

Notable Uses:

1. Nourishes liver and kidneys – strengthens muscles and bones:
   Golden chicken fern is often used in formulas to treat lower back pain, knee soreness, weak legs, and difficulty walking—especially in the elderly or those with chronic bone and joint diseases.

2. Treats back pain and herniated discs:
   It appears in many traditional medicine prescriptions for herniated disc and spinal degeneration, often combined with herbs such as niu xi (Achyranthes bidentata), du zhong (Eucommia ulmoides), and tu suan (Dipsacus).

3. Stops chronic diarrhea (spleen deficiency):
   Golden chicken fern has warming properties to harmonize the middle burner and stop diarrhea, making it suitable for those with chronic diarrhea due to spleen deficiency.

4. Mild diuretic and pain relief:
   Some folk remedies use this plant to support mild diuresis and relieve muscle and bone pain.

Common Usage:

• Decoction: Dry rhizomes sliced thinly, stir-fried yellow, decocted for drinking (15–30 g/day).

• Pills, powders: Combined with other herbal ingredients.

Precautions:

• Not recommended for people with constipation, difficulty urinating due to heat conditions.

• Ensure correct identification to avoid confusion with other hairy rhizomes, which may cause allergies or adverse effects.