huai niu xi

牛膝·Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae

Achyranthes Root

About huai niu xi

Huai Niu Xi (牛膝) is the root of achyranthes, recorded as Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae. It is bitter and sour in flavour and neutral in temperature, entering the Liver and Kidney channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that invigorate the Blood.

Names

Pinyinhuai niu xi·niú xī·niú xī (huai)
Chinese牛膝
Latin NameRadix Achyranthis Bidentatae
English NameAchyranthes Root·two-toothed achyranthes root
Japanesegoshitsu
Koreanuseul

Classification

Channels
Kidney, Liver
Flavour
Bitter, Sour
Temperature
Neutral
Family
Amaranthaceae
Species
Achyranthes bidentata
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Invigorates Blood and dispels Blood stasis

  • Painful, absent or irregular periods from Blood stasis
  • Lochia retained after childbirth
  • Pain from traumatic injury
  • Other pain arising from Blood stasis

Tonifies Liver and Kidney Yin, strengthens the sinews and bones and benefits the joints

  • Sore, aching lower back and knees when the Liver and Kidneys are depleted
  • Long-standing weakness and soreness of the lower back and knees
  • Wind-Damp Bi affecting the lower body

Guides Blood and Fire downward

  • Heat in the Blood of the Upper Jiao, with nosebleed, vomiting of blood or bleeding gums
  • Toothache from Empty Fire flaring on a base of Yin deficiency
  • Dizziness, headache and blurred vision from Liver Fire, or from Liver Yang rising on deficient Yin

Clears Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao and promotes urination

  • Knee pain, or painful obstruction of the lower back, when Damp-Heat sinks downward
  • Lin (painful urinary dysfunction) or leukorrhea, in a supporting role
  • Stone Lin with blood in the urine and pain in the lower back

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 6-16g; Tincture: 2-4ml6-16 g2-4 ml

Cautions

Interactions

Caution with