Bā Jǐ Tiān (巴戟天) — Morinda root / Indian Mulberry root

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Bā Jǐ Tiān (巴戟天) — Morinda officinalis — is known in English as Morinda root / Indian Mulberry root. It belongs to the category of Yang tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Bā Jǐ Tiān as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Tonifies Kidney Yang and strengthens the sinews
2. Expels Wind-Cold-Damp from the lower body
3. Strengthens the lumbar spine and lower limbs
4. Supports male sexual function

Indications

1. Kidney Yang deficiency — impotence, premature ejaculation and infertility in men
2. Lower back and knee weakness from Kidney Yang deficiency
3. Infertility from Cold uterus and Kidney Yang deficiency
4. Joint pain in the lower body from Wind-Cold-Damp with underlying Kidney deficiency
5. Urinary frequency and incontinence from Kidney Yang failing to hold

4. Key formulas containing Bā Jǐ Tiān

Bā Jǐ Tiān appears in the following key formulas:

• Er Xian Tang
• You Gui Wan

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Morinda officinalis (Ba Ji Tian) is one of the four major Yang tonic herbs of Guangdong traditional medicine and has significant modern research. Key bioactive constituents include inulin-type fructooligosaccharides, anthraquinones and iridoid glycosides. Research confirms significant androgenic effects (increasing testosterone levels and improving sperm quality), immunomodulatory properties, anti-osteoporotic effects, anti-depressant activity via HPA axis modulation, and anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical research supports use in erectile dysfunction, male infertility and menopausal symptoms (Er Xian Tang, which contains Ba Ji Tian, has been clinically validated for menopausal symptoms).

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in Yin deficiency with Empty Heat and excess Fire patterns. Avoid in patients with constipation from Yin deficiency and dry Intestines.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Bā Jǐ Tiān as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Male infertility, Fertility, Menopausal symptoms, Back pain. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.