Properties: Sweet, slightly bitter, neutral
Meridans Entered:
Primary: Liver and Kidney
Divergent Zones: Shaoyang
Traditional Actions/Indications:
- Invigorates the Blood, dispels Blood Stasis and unblocks the menses
Blood Stasis leading to dysmenorrhea or amenorrhea
Pain due to traumatic injury
- Expels Wind and drains Dampness
Wind-Damp Bi pain (especially in the lower back) and atrophy and spasm of the lower extremities
- Promotes urination and treats dysuria
Painful urinary dysfunction
- Descends Blood and Fire
Abnormal bleeding due to Fire Flaring Upwards with hematemesis, epistaxis, toothache ulceration of the mouth and tongue, dizziness and headache
- Tonifies the Kidneys and Liver and strengthens the tendons and bones
Lower back and knee soreness, weakness and pain
Suggested Daily Dosage: 6-10g in decoction.
Cautions: It is contraindicated for menorrhagia, pregnancy and spermatorrhea.
Notable Constituents:
- Cyasterone
A steroid lactone, a 21-hydroxy steroid, a 2beta-hydroxy steroid, a 3beta-hydroxy steroid, a 14alpha-hydroxy steroid, a 20-hydroxy steroid, a 6-oxo steroid and a phytoecdysteroid with epidermal growth factor receptor inhibiting activity giving anti-proliferative effects.
- Chikusetsusaponin IV
A steroidal saponin with renin inhibitory activity.
Notes:
Chuan Niu Xi and Huai Niu Xi have similar actions but Chuan Niu Xi is considered stronger at moving Blood Stasis while Huai Niu Xi has a stronger action on tonifying the Liver and Kidneys.
Cao et al. (2017) found the major constituents to be phytoecdysteroids and saponins. Phytoecdysteroids have an action on insects to promote moulting and may have steroid-like actions in humans which make them the basis of supplements like turkesterone.
Appears in 14 formulae listed on this site: (click to display)
Research Links & References: (click to display)
Research Links:
Reference Notes:
Individual herb information has sourced mainly from TCM Wiki and American Dragon for basic data and then updated manually with my own notes. Zhou, Xie and Yan (2011): Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Vol. 5, and A+ Medical Encyclopaedia have been used for entries not available from those sources with additional material searched for and filled in where available. Western herbs not appearing in the Chinese literature have used Ross (2010): Combining Western Herbs and Chinese Medicine: A Clinical Materia Medica, White Rabbit Institute of Healing and therapeutika.ch. Choices of which source to use or combine have been my own.
These pages are intended to assist clinicians and are not intended for self-diagnosis or treatment for which a qualified professional should be consulted. Actions and indications are taken from traditional uses and do not necessarily reflect the evidence base which should be researched independently. Dosages are for guidance only and will vary dependening on the potency of the batch and the tolerance of the individual so should be evaluated by a professional based on individual needs.
