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Huai Niu Xi怀牛膝

Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix · Achyranthes Root · Huai-grown Ox Knee

Herbs that Invigorate the Blood 活血化瘀药Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing 《神农本草经》(recorded as 牛膝)

Overview

Achyranthes root from the old Huaiqing districts of Henan, the growing region taken as the standard grade for this herb. It works in two registers at once: it invigorates blood and frees the channels, and it supplements Liver and Kidney to strengthen sinew and bone. Its most distinctive quality is direction — it draws blood, fire and the action of the herbs around it downward, which makes it the choice for low back and knee complaints and for heat flaring in the head. The raw root moves blood and leads downward most strongly; wine-frying sharpens the blood-moving and channel-freeing side, salt-frying steers it into the Kidney for a sore, weak lumbus and knees, and plain dry-frying moderates it overall.

Nature & Flavor

Bitter, sour · Neutral

Channels

Liver · Kidney

Typical Dosage

5–12 g in decoction
怀牛膝Photography for this entry is on its way.

Actions

4 core actions

  • Invigorates blood, unblocks the channelsAbsent or painful periods, retained lochia, traumatic injury with fixed stabbing pain. Wine-frying is chosen for this action.
  • Supplements Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and boneSore, weak lower back and knees; lingering wind-damp pain in the lower limbs. Salt-frying favours this action.
  • Guides blood and fire downwardFire or blood rising out of place: nosebleed, mouth and gum ulceration, headache and dizziness of ascending Liver yang.
  • Frees painful urinationDribbling, painful or bloody urination, including urinary stones.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Huai Niu Xi

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Sore, weak lower back and knees
    - Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, traumatic pain
    - Dizziness, headache, nosebleed and mouth sores from rising fire
    - Painful or bloody urination

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Low back painOsteoarthritisDysmenorrheaUrinary stones

Contraindications

Cautions

Blood-moving and downward-pulling: avoid in heavy menstrual bleeding and in any active bleeding, in diarrhea from Spleen deficiency, and in sinking-qi patterns such as organ prolapse, where its downward pull works against the treatment. Patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication should have blood-invigorating herbs reviewed by the prescribing practitioner.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy — it invigorates blood and draws downward. Do not take it while pregnant.

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.