Zhī Mǔ (知母) — Anemarrhena Rhizome

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

Zhī Mǔ (知母) — Anemarrhena asphodeloides — is known in English as Anemarrhena rhizome. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Zhī Mǔ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they 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. Clears Heat and purges Fire
2. Nourishes Yin and moistens Dryness
3. Clears Empty Heat and reduces steaming bone disorder
4. Generates Body Fluids

Indications

1. High fever and intense thirst from excess Heat in the Qi level
2. Steaming bone disorder, afternoon fever and night sweats from Yin deficiency with Empty Heat
3. Dry cough with scanty sputum from Lung Heat or Lung Yin deficiency
4. Wasting and thirsting disorder from Stomach and Kidney Heat
5. Constipation from Intestinal dryness
6. Menopausal hot flushes and night sweats (combined with Huang Bai in Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan)

4. Key formulas containing Zhī Mǔ

Zhī Mǔ is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan
• Bai Hu Tang
• Er Xian Tang

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

5. Modern research

Anemarrhena asphodeloides has been subject to growing pharmacological research. Key bioactive constituents include steroidal saponins (timosaponin A-III, BII), sarsasapogenin and mangiferin. Research demonstrates anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and neuroprotective properties. Timosaponin A-III has shown anti-cancer activity in multiple studies. Sarsasapogenin is under investigation as a potential treatment for Alzheimer’s disease. Mangiferin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-diabetic effects. The formula Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Anemarrhena, Phellodendron and Rehmannia Pill) has been specifically studied in clinical trials for menopausal symptoms, demonstrating significant reduction in vasomotor symptoms.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in Spleen and Stomach deficiency-Cold with loose stools and poor appetite. Use with caution in patients with diarrhoea. The cold, bitter nature can damage digestive function if overused.

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 and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Zhī Mǔ as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Menopausal symptoms, Urinary tract infections, Thin endometrial lining, Insomnia. 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 for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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