1. Description:
Bidentate achyranthes (scientific name: Achyranthes Bidentata Blume, also known as ox knee, Chinese: Niu Xi, 牛膝, 牛茎, 百倍, 山苋菜, 对节菜), a species of perennial flowering herb in genus Achyranthes (Amaranthaceae family). Found in China, India, Nepal and Japan (found from 200 to 1,750 meters in altitude), the plant can grow up to 70-120 cm tall. The roots of bidentate achyranthes acts as blood circulation promoter, aphrodisiac, diuretic and discutient in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases including late learning to walk in infants , diabetes and different gynecological diseases and disorders.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The dried root of bidentate achyranthes is considered to have sweet, bitter, sour and neutral properties and to be associated with the liver and kidney meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Bidentate Achyranthes & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Cold, Flu, Fever And Coughing
A decoction of greater burdock roots, ephedra, the root of bidentate achyranthes, arisaema erubescens and wine is taken to treat typhoid fever with cramp.
3.2 Reducing Inflammation And Relieving Pain
A decoction of root of Angelica pubescens, papaya and the root of bidentate achyranthes is taken to help with swollen ankles and swollen feet.
A mixture of fresh root of bidentate achyranthes, artemisia argyi and human milk is used in treating throat impediment and acute tonsillitis.
Powdered bidentate achyranthes root can be used in a mouth wash to treat swollen gums.
3.3 Clearing Away Internal Heat
Prescribed with sea-ear shell, mother of pearl and the root of bidentate achyranthes, Hangzhou white chrysanthemum can help to clear heat accumulated in liver and treat dizziness and convulsions.
3.4 Skin Health
A decoction of iris ensata seeds and the root of bidentate achyranthes is taken internally to cope with different types of ulcers.
Smashed bidentate achyranthes root is applied externally to treat malignant sores.
3.5 Late Learning To Walk In Infants
A mixture of cortex acanthopanacis, bidentate achyranthes root and papaya are porphyrized and taken to treat late learning to walk in infants.
3.6 Diabetes
Pills made with bidentate achyranthes root (soaked in fresh rehmannia glutinosa root juice) and honey is taken orally with warm wine on an empty stomach to treat diabetes.
3.7 Gynecologic Diseases and Disorders
A decoction of chingma abutilon seed and bidentate achyranthes root is used in treating retention of placenta.
Pills made from bidentate achyranthes root (soaked in wine) and fresh rehmannia glutinosa root juice is taken with rice congee on an empty stomach to treat amenorrhea (abnormal absence of menstruation).
A decoction of mercury, cinnabar, bidentate achyranthes root and honey is taken to treat abnormal and painful fetal movement.
A decoction of bidentate achyranthes root is taken regularly to heal postpartum hematuria (blood in the urine).
3.8 Impotence
Medicinal liquor with morinda officinalis and the root of bidentate achyranthes can be used in treating erectile dysfunction (sometimes called impotence).
4. Contraindication, Side-effects & Cautions:
Administration with caution for pregnant women.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.