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Cura x Cura

Xian Mao仙茅

Curculiginis Rhizoma · Golden Eye-Grass Rhizome · Curculigo

Herbs that Tonify the Yang 补阳药《海药本草》

Overview

A pungent, hot Kidney-yang tonic made from the rhizome of golden eye-grass, warming enough to be reserved for genuine cold: impotence, cold and painful low back and knees, and yang-deficient urinary frequency. The pharmacopoeia classes it as a toxic herb, so the dose stays small and the course short.

Nature & Flavor

Acrid · Hot · Toxic

Channels

Kidney · Liver

Typical Dosage

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

Actions

3 core actions

  • Warms the Kidney, fortifies yangImpotence, low libido, cold-type infertility and yang-deficient frequent clear urination.
  • Dispels cold-damp, strengthens sinew and boneCold, aching low back and knees and weak limbs that worsen in cold, damp weather.
  • Warms the middle, stops diarrheaCold-deficiency abdominal pain and daybreak diarrhea, generally with other warming yang tonics.

In Formulas

Formulas containing Xian Mao

No published formula lists this herb yet — the library is growing.

Indications & Clinical Uses

  • Impotence, low libido and cold-type infertility
    - Cold, painful low back and knees; weak sinew and bone
    - Frequent clear urination and daybreak diarrhea from Kidney yang deficiency
    - Menopausal patterns depleted in both yang and yin, in warming-and-nourishing combinations

Western Medical Keywords

Searchable condition terms

Erectile dysfunctionLow back painMenopauseOsteoporosis

Contraindications

Cautions

Toxic. The pharmacopoeia lists Xian Mao among the toxic herbs: keep to the prescribed dose, do not extend the course without review, and stop immediately and seek care if tongue numbness, nausea, sweating or agitation appear. Its heat also makes it wrong for yin deficiency with heat signs — flushing, night sweats, a red tongue with little coating. Not an herb for self-prescription.

Contraindicated in pregnancy: Avoid in pregnancy — hot and toxic; the treating practitioner should choose a safer alternative

For licensed practitioners’ reference only

References

  1. Hai Yao Ben Cao《海药本草》(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.