2Niu Xi-Achyranthes wortel-Achyranthes bidentata

Niu Xi, also known as Achyranthes Root, is a widely used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), known for its ability to invigorate Blood, strengthen the lower body, and guide fire or Blood downward. It is commonly used for menstrual disorders, joint pain, back and knee weakness, and conditions involving downward drainage, such as difficult urination or damp-heat in the lower body.

There are two main types of Niu Xi:

• Huai Niu Xi (Achyranthes bidentata), which has a stronger blood-invigorating and menstruation-regulating function.

• Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula officinalis), which more strongly tonifies Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinews and bones, and guides downward.

Functies en voordelen

Versterkt het bloed en verdrijft stagnatie
Gebruikt voor irregular menstruation, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and trauma-related blood stasis.

Versterkt pezen en botten
Effectief voor lower back pain, knee soreness, leg weakness, and joint stiffness, particularly in cases of Liver and Kidney deficiency.

Guides Blood and Fire Downward
Verwijdert upward-blazing symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or bleeding from the upper body by guiding excess downward.

Promotes Urination and Clears Damp-Heat
Helpt bij painful or difficult urination, swollen joints, and damp-heat in the lower Jiao.

Indicaties
Mensen met menstrual irregularities, blood clots, or postpartum pain
Degenen die lijden aan chronic lower back or knee weakness, stiffness, or joint pain
Patiënten met hypertension-related dizziness or bleeding from the upper body
Personen die urinary discomfort or damp-heat symptoms

Diagnose van tong en pols in TCM
Tong: Dark or purple (Blood stasis); greasy yellow coating (damp-heat)
Pols: Choppy or wiry (Blood stasis); slippery and rapid (damp-heat)

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Niu Xi

• Blood Stasis in the Lower Jiao – Painful menstruation, irregular cycle

• Lever- en niertekort – Weak knees, aching lower back, joint issues

• Ascending Fire or Yang – Dizziness, headache, nosebleeds, bleeding gums

• Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner – Difficult urination, genital pain, swollen joints

Voorzorgsmaatregelen en contra-indicaties
Not suitable during zwangerschap, especially in large doses, due to its downward-moving nature.
Avoid in patients with heavy bleeding or deficiency without stasis.
Voorzichtig gebruiken in weak individuals or those prone to dizziness or collapse.

Conclusie
Niu Xi is a blood-invigorating and tendon-strengthening herb essential for treating painful menstruation, joint disorders, and damp-heat in the lower body. Het vermogen om guide fire and Blood downward makes it particularly valuable in conditions involving upward rebellion of Qi or excess heat above.