Single Herb Glossary
Huái Niú Xī 懷牛膝
Pharmaceutical name | Achyranthis bidentatae Radix achyranthes root "ox knee" |
Category | Invigorate Blood |
Key Properties | Unprepared form: Breaks up Blood Stasis, unblocks Menses, Guides Blood to descend, Direct Fire downward Prepped: Tonify LV & KD, Strengthen Sinew & Bone |
Properties | Bitter Sour Neutral |
Tropism | LV, KD |
Actions & Indications | 1) Invigorates Blood and dispels blood stasis 2) Tonify LV & KD, Strengthen Sinew & Bone, and Benefits Joints 3) Induces Downward Movement of (chaotic) Blood & Fire (nosebleed, hemoptysis, bleeding gums) 4) Clears Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner |
Dosages | 6-15g |
Contraindications (TCM) | CI: Pregnancy or with excessive menstruation. |
Contraindications (Western) | |
Chemical Composition | Ecdysterone, inoteosterone, inokosterone, α-aminobutyric acid, betaine |
Pharmacological Effects | • Analgesic and anti-inflammatory: administration via intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and oral routes all demonstrated marked analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in laboratory animals • Cardiovascular: decoction associated with mild hypotensive effect with short duration of action • Uterine stimulant: stimulating effect on smooth muscle and leads to uterine contraction in rats and rabbits • Effect on pregnancy: administration in mice at 250 to 500 mg/kg for up to 20 days associated with decreased percentage of fertilization and increased risk of miscarriage |
Herb-Drug Interactions | |
Classical Formula(s) |
Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (Angelica Pubescens and Sang-Ji-Sheng Decoction)獨活寄生湯 Ji Chuan Jian (Benefit the River [Flow] Decoction) 濟川煎 (济川煎) Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan (Seven treasure special pill for beautiful whiskers) 七寶美髯丸 Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang (Drive Out Stasis from the Mansion of Blood Decoction) 血府逐瘀湯 Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang (Sedate the Liver and Extinquish Wind Decoction) 鎮肝熄風湯 |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.