Cyathula Root (Radix Achyranthes Bidentata) - 淮牛膝 (huái niú xī)

English Name: Cyathula Root

Chinese Name: 淮牛膝片

Common Uses of Huang Jing in TCM:

• Huai Niu Xi tonifies the liver and kidney to strengthen tendons and bones. Clinically, this herb addresses lower back pain with weak knees as well as general joint pain and swelling in the lower part of the body. Research in China suggests this herb’s applicability in addressing osteoarthritis, although this is not a verifiable “medical” claim at this stage of research.
• Huai Niu Xi activates blood circulation and breaks blood stasis to treat a wide variety of gynecological disorders to include amenorrhea, menstrual pain, and postpartum uterine bleeding with pain. This herb is also commonly used to dispel stasis that causes pain and swelling from traumatic/sports injuries.
• Huai Niu Xi promotes urination, eliminates blood stasis, and dispels damp-heat from lower jiao to address hemauria (with burning sensations while urinating).
• Huai Niu Xi has a downward action which addresses abnormal bleeding caused by “fire flaring upwards”; clinically, Huai Niu Xi is used in this regard to directly address nosebleeds, toothaches, mouth and tongue ulcerations, headaches, and dizziness. It also helps put the “upward flaring fire” out at the base by tonifying liver and kidney Yin. This helps anchor Liver yang and keep Liver wind from rising (or “fanning the flames”) in the first place.

–safety note:

Contraindicated during pregnancy and in cases of profuse menstrual bleeding.

Precaution: Use Chinese herbs or herbal extracts with caution. Professional advice is suggested.  In TCM, Chinese herbs are often combined in the context of formulas to enhance each other's desirable action and to minimize any potential side effect. Consult a professional if you are taking any prescription medications or Western medications as it can cause interference and strong effect in the body.