Use of Chuan Niu Xi (cyathula roots) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Remove impurities, wash, cut into thin slices, and dry
Dosage: 5 - 10g
Main actions according to TCM*: Removes Blood Stagnation and unblocks menstruation. Improve joint pain. Promotes urination and treats dysuria.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Chuan Niu Xi may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Amenorrhea Joint pain Rheumatic athralgia Blood in urine Dysmenorrhea Urinary tract infection Urinary difficulties
Contraindications*: Contraindicated during Pregnancy
Common TCM formulas in which Chuan Niu Xi is used*
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan
Source date: 1695 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Formula key actions: Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang.
Conditions targeted*: EdemaHeavy back and others
Chuan Niu Xi is a king ingredient in Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan, Chuan Niu Xi is sour, sweet and neutral in taste. It descends and encourage urination. It also tonics the Liver and Kidney as well as strengthens the back and knees.
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Source date: 1830 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Formula key actions: Invigorates the Blood. Dispels blood Stagnation. Spreads the Liver Qi. Unblocks the channels.
Conditions targeted*: Coronary artery diseaseRheumatic valvular heart disease and others
Chuan Niu Xi is a deputy ingredient in Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, Chuan Niu Xi invigorates the Blood circulation by eliminating Stagnation. It has a descending nature that conducts the Blood downward.
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Source date: 1830
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Formula key actions: Invigorates Blood. Unblocks painful obstruction. Relieves pain. Invigorate Qi. Dispels Blood Stagnation. Unblock Channels.
Conditions targeted*: Muscle crampsArthralgia and others
Chuan Niu Xi is a deputy ingredient in Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, Chuan Niu Xi invigorates the Blood circulation by eliminating Stagnation. It has a descending nature that conducts the Blood downward. It also unblocks Channels by removing the painful obstruction. It also remove the stiffness of the joints.
Key TCM concepts behind Chuan Niu Xi's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Chuan Niu Xi belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.
Furthermore Chuan Niu Xi is Neutral in nature. This means that Chuan Niu Xi typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Chuan Niu Xi means that you don't have to worry about that!
Chuan Niu Xi also tastes Bitter and Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Chuan Niu Xi tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Chuan Niu Xi is thought to target the Kidney and the Liver. According to TCM, the Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.