Chuan Niu Xi
Cyathula officinalis Kuan
☯ TCM Properties
Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis; Promotes Menstruation; Frees the Joints and Channels; Promotes Urination and Relieves Stranguria; Guides Herbs and Blood Downward
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Cyathula officinalis K.C.Kuan (Amaranthaceae) is a perennial herb 50-100 cm tall endemic to the mountains of Sichuan and neighboring provinces in China, with erect quadrangular stems, opposite oblong-elliptic leaves with strigose pubescence, and small greenish flowers densely crowded in stalked globose spikes bearing characteristic hooked bracteoles. From the base develops a long cylindrical taproot with several side rootlets and conspicuous swollen nodes that resemble ox knees, giving the herb its name. Roots are dug in late autumn or winter, the rootlets and fibrous lateral roots removed, fumigated with sulfur or briefly steamed, and sun-dried. In TCM, Chuan Niu Xi is sweet and slightly bitter in flavor and neutral in nature, entering the Liver and Kidney channels; it invigorates blood, dispels stasis, and directs blood and other herbs downward.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 6-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Chuan Niu Xi (Sichuan ox-knee root, cyathula root) is a warm, Blood-activating herb with a strong affinity for the lower body. It promotes Blood circulation, eliminates stasis, and expels Wind-Damp to relieve lower back and knee pain, joint stiffness, and weakness from both Blood stagnation and Wind-Damp obstruction. Its descending quality makes it appropriate for conditions where pathology needs to be directed downward, including certain types of urinary difficulty and amenorrhea from Blood stasis in the lower body.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.