Witnessed by: TCM
Cyathula (Cyathula officinalis), of the Amaranthaceae family. Erect perennial herb with knobby nodes; native range: Sichuan and the mountains of south-west China. Globally recognized as chuan niu xi (川牛膝) in Chinese, and Sichuan ox-knee in English. The part used is root. Long cylindrical greyish-brown root, sweet at first with a slightly bitter tail.
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.
CYATHULA
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- cyathula
- Scientific name
- Cyathula officinalis K.C.Kuan
- Family
- Amaranthaceae
Form
- Part used
- root
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · bitter (slight)
Temperature
- TCM
- neutral
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Liver · Kidney
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- invigorates blood, dispels stasis, unblocks the channels, promotes menstruation, benefits the joints and sinews, directs downward
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated in pregnancy and in excessive menstrual bleeding
- Toxicity
- none of note
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