tu niu xi

Name: tu niu xi
Creator: Bencao Index

土牛膝·Radix Achyranthis Terrena

Achyranthis Root

About tu niu xi

Tu Niu Xi (土牛膝) is the root of a native achyranthes, recorded as Radix Achyranthis Terrena. It enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and the catalogue files it among the herbs that clear Heat and relieve toxicity.

Names

Pinyin	tu niu xi
Chinese	土牛膝
Latin Name	Radix Achyranthis Terrena·Radix et Rhizome Achyranthes
English Name	Achyranthis Root·two-tooth achyranthes root
Japanese	dogoshitsu
Korean	touseul

Classification

Category: Clear Heat, Relieve Toxicity
Channels: Kidney, Liver
Part used: Root
Family: Amaranthaceae
Species: Achyranthes bidentata
Tags: Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Drains Fire and resolves toxicity

Sore, swollen throat; its main use
Diphtheria and pneumonia, for which the record says it was thought especially effective

Clears Heat toxin from the skin

Abscesses and skin sores
Snakebite, applied traditionally to ease its effects

Invigorates Blood

Amenorrhea
Dysmenorrhea

Cautions

pregnancy Contraindicated in pregnancy, like all three Niu Xi, because it moves Blood and directs it downward
caution The name Niu Xi covers at least three different roots that are confused in practice; check the qualifier and the botanical name on the label, because a substitute belongs to a different category of herb
caution Cold patterns, or deficiency with no Heat or stasis; it is cold, Heat-clearing and Blood-moving
caution Weak digestion
caution Best given under a qualified practitioner

Interactions

Drug interactions

Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines: caution is usual because the herb invigorates Blood, the same reason given for Huai Niu Xi and Chuan Niu Xi (precautionary; no interaction documented)