Witnessed by: TCM
Niu xi (Achyranthes bidentata), of the Amaranthaceae family. Erect perennial herb with knee-like swollen nodes; native range: Henan and central China, the Huai region prized as the source. Globally recognized as niu xi (牛膝) in Chinese, and ox-knee, two-toothed amaranthus in English. The part used is root. Long slender greyish-yellow root, pliable and slightly sticky, the taste sweet then sour and faintly bitter.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
ACHYRANTHES
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- niu xi
- Scientific name
- Achyranthes bidentata Blume
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- bitter · sweet · sour
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Kidney
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- tonifies the Liver and Kidney, strengthens the sinews and bones, invigorates blood, guides blood downward, promotes urination
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in pregnancy and during heavy menstrual flow; caution with Spleen deficiency and loose stool
- Toxicity
- well tolerated within dose
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