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Ba Ji Tian巴戟天

Morindae Officinalis Radix · Morinda Root

Herbs that Tonify the Yang 补阳药《神农本草经》

Overview

A warming Kidney-yang tonic that is unusually mild for its class — acrid and sweet rather than hot and drying, so it can be given over longer courses than the more forceful yang herbs. It builds warmth in the lower back and knees while also clearing wind-damp from the joints, which makes it a common choice where cold, aching low back sits alongside fatigue and low libido. The salt-prepared form is directed more firmly into the Kidney, and the processed form is softened for straightforward tonification.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid, sweet · Slightly warm

Channels

Kidney · Liver

Typical Dosage

5–15 g in decoction
巴戟天Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

3 core actions

  • Tonifies Kidney yang, supports the essenceImpotence, low libido, difficulty conceiving, frequent or dribbling urination and cold, unresponsive periods.
  • Strengthens the sinews and bonesWeak, cold, aching low back and knees; unsteady legs in the elderly.
  • Dispels wind and dampJoint pain worse in cold, damp weather where an underlying Kidney deficiency is part of the picture.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Ba Ji Tian

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Kidney-yang deficiency with cold, sore low back and knees
    - Impotence, low libido and difficulty conceiving
    - Frequent urination or night-time urination from Kidney cold
    - Cold, damp joint pain on a deficient background

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Erectile dysfunctionLow libidoInfertilityChronic low back painNocturia

Contraindications

Cautions

Warming and supplementing: not for yin deficiency with heat signs, nor where damp-heat is the active problem. Because it accumulates warmth over a course, long unsupervised use is inappropriate.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: No specific pregnancy restriction — practitioner judgment applies.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing《神农本草经》(classical source, public domain).
    2. Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
    3. 《中华人民共和国药典》.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.