Niú Xī (牛膝) — Achyranthes root / Ox-knee 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

Niú Xī (牛膝) — Achyranthes bidentata / Cyathula officinalis — is known in English as Achyranthes root / Ox-knee root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that invigorate Blood 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 Niú Xī 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. Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis — particularly in the lower body
2. Strengthens the sinews and bones and benefits the Liver and Kidney
3. Induces the downward movement of Blood and Fire
4. Promotes urination and treats urinary disorders
5. Calms the Liver and descends Liver Yang — specific for hypertension

Indications

1. Dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea and post-partum Blood stasis — Blood stasis in the lower body
2. Joint pain and weakness of the lower limbs from Liver and Kidney deficiency
3. High blood pressure from Liver Yang rising — a primary herb for hypertension
4. Urinary tract infections and urinary stones
5. Headache and dizziness from Liver Yang rising
6. Oral ulcers from Stomach Fire (descending Fire downward)

4. Key formulas containing Niú Xī

Niú Xī appears in the following key formulas:

• Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan
• Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan

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

5. Modern research

Achyranthes bidentata (Niu Xi) is one of the most important herbs in Chinese medicine for conditions below the waist. Key bioactive constituents include saponins (achyranthosides), polysaccharides, phytoecdysteroids (ecdysterone) and betaine. Research confirms anti-inflammatory effects on articular cartilage and bone, ecdysterone's anabolic and immunomodulatory properties, significant antihypertensive activity (multiple clinical studies), anti-platelet effects and protection against renal damage. Ecdysterone has been studied as a natural alternative to anabolic steroids for muscle building. Clinical research confirms Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan (which contains Niu Xi) for osteoarthritis.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated during pregnancy — powerfully descends Blood and can cause miscarriage. Avoid in patients with excessive menstrual bleeding. Use with caution in hypotension.

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 Niú Xī as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including High blood pressure, Back pain, Knee pain, Urinary tract infections. 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.