Root of Twotooth Achyranthes (Huai Niu Xi)

The root of Twotooth Achyranthes (Achyranthes bidentata), known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as Huái Niú Xī (怀牛膝), is a well-known herb used for various therapeutic purposes. It is classified under herbs that invigorate blood circulation and is commonly used to treat conditions related to the liver and kidney.

Properties:

  • Taste: Bitter, sweet
  • Nature: Neutral
  • Meridian Channels: Liver, Kidney

Traditional Uses in TCM:

  1. Invigorates Blood & Dispels Stasis
    • Helps promote blood circulation, making it useful for treating amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and traumatic injuries.
  2. Strengthens Tendons & Bones
    • Beneficial for weakness and soreness of the lower back and knees, commonly used in cases of kidney deficiency.
  3. Guides Blood Downward
    • Used for headache, dizziness, and symptoms of blood rushing upward (e.g., hypertension) by directing energy downward.
  4. Clears Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao (Lower Body)
    • Helps with painful urination, urinary tract infections, and damp-heat-related joint pain.

Modern Applications:

  • Used in treating arthritis, osteoporosis, and lower back pain.
  • May support cardiovascular health due to its effects on circulation.
  • Studied for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Dosage & Precautions:

  • Typical dosage: 6–15 grams in decoction.
  • Precautions:
    • Avoid in pregnancy as it can promote circulation and potentially cause miscarriage.
    • Not suitable for individuals with excessive menstrual bleeding or those with weak constitution.
    • Use with caution in cases of spleen or stomach deficiency.

Preparation and Uses of Huái Niú Xī (怀牛膝 - Root of Twotooth Achyranthes)

1. Common Forms of Usage:

  • Decoction (Tea) – The most traditional method, used in TCM formulations.
  • Powder – Can be mixed with water or other herbal powders.
  • Pills & Capsules – Often combined with other herbs for specific therapeutic effects.
  • Tinctures & Extracts – Less common but available in some herbal medicine preparations.

2. Traditional Decoction (Tea) Preparation:

Ingredients:

  • 6–15g of dried Huái Niú Xī root
  • 500ml water

Instructions:

  1. Rinse the dried root to remove any impurities.
  2. Add the root to a pot with water and bring to a boil.
  3. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 20–30 minutes.
  4. Strain and drink warm. You can divide the decoction into 2–3 servings throughout the day.

Optional: Combine with herbs like Dang Gui (当归) for blood circulation or Du Zhong (杜仲) for strengthening bones and tendons.

3. Common TCM Herbal Combinations:

Depending on the condition, Huái Niú Xī is often used with other herbs:

  • For Blood Stagnation & Pain Relief:

    • Combined with Chuan Xiong (川芎) and Hong Hua (红花) for menstrual pain and circulation.

  • For Lower Back & Knee Weakness (Kidney Deficiency):

    • Combined with Du Zhong (杜仲) and Xu Duan (续断) to strengthen tendons and bones.

  • For Hypertension & Dizziness (Liver Yang Rising):

    • Combined with Gou Teng (钩藤) and Tian Ma (天麻) to guide energy downward.

  • For Urinary Issues & Damp-Heat:

    • Combined with Che Qian Zi (车前子) and Ze Xie (泽泻) to promote urination and clear heat.

4. Modern Applications & Research:

  • Anti-Inflammatory & Pain Relief:
    • Used in rheumatoid arthritis and joint pain due to its ability to reduce inflammation.
  • Cardiovascular Health:
    • May help improve circulation and lower blood pressure.
  • Bone & Tendon Health:
    • Used in osteoporosis and for post-fracture recovery.

5. Precautions & Contraindications:

  • Pregnant women should avoid it due to its strong blood-moving properties.
  • Not for excessive menstrual bleeding as it promotes circulation.
  • Avoid in cases of Spleen or Stomach Deficiency with loose stools or poor digestion.

Specific Formulations Using Huái Niú Xī (怀牛膝) for Different Health Concerns

Here are a few traditional and modern formulations that incorporate Huái Niú Xī for specific conditions:

1. For Blood Stagnation & Menstrual Pain (Dysmenorrhea, Amenorrhea)

Function: Invigorates blood circulation, relieves pain, and regulates menstruation.

Ingredients:

  • Huái Niú Xī (怀牛膝) – 10g
  • Chuan Xiong (川芎) – 6g
  • Dang Gui (当归) – 10g
  • Hong Hua (红花) – 6g
  • Tao Ren (桃仁) – 8g
  • Bai Shao (白芍) – 10g

Preparation:

  • Boil in 500ml water for 30 minutes.
  • Drink twice daily before meals.

Usage: Best for irregular, painful, or absent periods caused by blood stagnation. Avoid during heavy menstrual flow.

2. For Lower Back & Knee Weakness (Kidney Deficiency, Osteoporosis, Aging-Related Weakness)

Function: Strengthens bones and tendons, nourishes the liver and kidney.

Ingredients:

  • Huái Niú Xī (怀牛膝) – 12g
  • Du Zhong (杜仲) – 10g
  • Xu Duan (续断) – 10g
  • Gou Qi Zi (枸杞子) – 10g
  • Shan Zhu Yu (山茱萸) – 8g
  • Huang Jing (黄精) – 8g

Preparation:

  • Boil in 600ml water for 30–40 minutes.
  • Drink twice daily.

Usage: Ideal for chronic lower back pain, knee weakness, osteoporosis, and post-injury recovery.

3. For Hypertension & Dizziness (Liver Yang Rising, High Blood Pressure)

Function: Lowers blood pressure, clears heat, and directs Qi downward.

Ingredients:

  • Huái Niú Xī (怀牛膝) – 10g
  • Gou Teng (钩藤) – 10g
  • Tian Ma (天麻) – 10g
  • Ju Hua (菊花) – 8g
  • Zhi Zi (栀子) – 8g
  • Sang Ji Sheng (桑寄生) – 10g

Preparation:

  • Boil in 600ml water for 30 minutes.
  • Drink twice daily.

Usage: Best for hypertension, dizziness, headaches, and irritability caused by excessive liver yang.

4. For Urinary Tract Infections (Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao, Painful Urination)

Function: Clears damp-heat, promotes urination, and reduces inflammation.

Ingredients:

  • Huái Niú Xī (怀牛膝) – 10g
  • Che Qian Zi (车前子) – 10g
  • Ze Xie (泽泻) – 10g
  • Mu Tong (木通) – 8g
  • Bai Mao Gen (白茅根) – 10g
  • Hua Shi (滑石) – 8g

Preparation:

  • Boil in 500ml water for 30 minutes.
  • Drink warm 2–3 times daily.

Usage: Ideal for urinary tract infections, painful urination, and edema due to damp-heat.

5. For Joint Pain & Rheumatoid Arthritis (Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome)

Function: Expels wind-dampness, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain.

Ingredients:

  • Huái Niú Xī (怀牛膝) – 10g
  • Fang Feng (防风) – 8g
  • Du Huo (独活) – 10g
  • Qin Jiao (秦艽) – 10g
  • Cang Zhu (苍术) – 8g
  • Yi Yi Ren (薏苡仁) – 12g

Preparation:

  • Boil in 600ml water for 30–40 minutes.
  • Drink warm twice daily.

Usage: Effective for rheumatoid arthritis, joint stiffness, and chronic pain due to dampness accumulation.

Precautions for All Formulations:

  • Do not use Huái Niú Xī in pregnancy.
  • Avoid prolonged use without guidance, as it strongly invigorates blood circulation.
  • If you have stomach or spleen deficiency with weak digestion, combine with stomach-supporting herbs like Gan Cao (甘草) or Sheng Jiang (生姜) to reduce harsh effects.
No records found.
This Category
All Listings