State/School

California License Exam, ESATM, NYTCM, Pacific College Comps, Southern California University of Health Sciences, Yo San University

Alias

Niu Xi

Pharm Name

Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix

Common Name

Achyranthes Root

Category

Regulate Blood/Invigorate the Blood

Ingredients

Taste

Bitter, Sour

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Neutral

Action / Indication

1. Invigorates blood and eliminates blood stasis: used to treat blood stasis causing dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and post-partum pain. May also be used for sports injuries with blood stasis.
2. Tonifies the Liver and Kidney, and repairs the bones, muscles, and joints: used to treat sore or stiff muscles, and joints. For chronic lumbago, and sore knees, this is the herb of choice.
3. Clears damp-heat in the lower jiao: used to treat burning, painful urination.
4. Pulls blood and fire downward, and replenishes yin: used to treat rising fire and reckless blood in the upper jiao causing nosebleed, toothache, bleeding gums, and vomiting of blood.

Treatment Principles

Invigorates Blood and Eliminates Blood Stasis
Tonifies the Liver and Kidney
Repairs the Muscles, Bones and Joints
Clears Damp-heat in the Lower Jiao
Pulls Blood Downward

Contraindication

Pregnancy, hypermenorrhea, diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency, and spermatorrhea due to weak source qi.

Dosages

9-15g. Use raw, wine-fried, or salt-fried.

Meridians

LIV, KD

Tom's Comment

1. There are two types of Niu Xi=> Huai Niu Xi from Huai He and Chuan Niu Xi from Sichuan.
2. Niu Xi is often times used with Du Zhong as a tonic to strengthen bones and sinews.
3. Niu Xi's heat clearing ability is suspect at best. It often times can serve as a guide to the lower jiao or the UB channel.

Source

Formula Type