百子櫃THE HUNDRED DRAWERS
Achyranthes root
牛膝
補肝腎strengthens sinews and bones活血通經引血下行promotes water metabolism
The slender pliable root of Achyranthes bidentata, sold as wrinkled brown strips cut into segments. Slightly bitter-sweet and unobtrusive in flavour, it goes into leg-and-back strengthening pots; the huai type is the tonic grade used in soup, the Sichuan type leans blood-moving.
TCM properties
Nature · neutral Flavour · bitter、sweet、sour Meridians · liver、kidney
Traditional food therapy
In the tradition it is a lower-body herb, guiding nourishment downward while strengthening the liver, kidneys, sinew and bone; huai niu xi is the type traditionally chosen for tonic pots.
Cautions: read first
- Safety criticalNot for pregnant women, since it moves the blood, opens the periods and drives downward
- Not for anyone with heavy periods
- Take care with loose bowels from a weak spleen, or with sinking middle qi
Preparation
A quick rinse, snip it into lengths, into the pot.
Origin · Geo-authentic (道地) source
Jiaozuo, Henan (historic Huaiqing, home of one of the four Huai herbs; the Sichuan kind, 川牛膝, comes from Sichuan)
Availability in Australia
Herbal shops / specialists
