Xian Mao

Curculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) – The Herb Used in Traditional Systems to Support Normal Kidney Yang Tonification and Sexual HealthCurculigo rhizome (Xian-mao), also known as "Golden Eye Grass" or "Curculigo Rhizome," is the traditional Chinese name for the dried rhizome (root network) of Curculigo orchioides, a warm, sweet-bitter herb from the amaryllis family that has been part of traditional Chinese herbal systems for over 2000 years. This highly valued warm tonic is particularly known for its ability to tonify normal kidney-yang energy, support normal vital fire (ming men fire), promote normal sexual health in adults, strengthen normal bones and tendons and restore normal energy levels – making it an ideal choice for people with a tendency toward normal kidney-yang deficiency symptoms, normal fatigue, normal sexual dysfunction and normal lower back and knee weakness.Traditional Understanding in TCM SystemsWithin traditional Chinese medicine, curculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) is described as a warm, sweet-bitter herb with tonifying and essence-promoting character. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Kidney and Liver meridians. According to this traditional description, curculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) specializes in normal "kidney-yang tonification," helps "restore normal vital force," "promotes normal sexual vitality" and "strengthens normal bones and tendons" – crucial TCM concepts for normal kidney-yang health and normal life force.Curculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) is seen in TCM as a classical "kidney-yang tonic" – the classical herb for normal kidney-yang deficiency. It is traditionally used to promote normal kidney energy, support normal sexual health, strengthen normal bones and tendons, ease normal lower back and knee weakness and restore normal energy and vitality.Special Property: Warm and Essence-StrengtheningCurculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) distinguishes itself by its warm nature and strong ability to tonify normal "essence" (jing) and kidney-yang. This tonifying character means it not only restores kidney energy, but also supports deep vitality.Botanical Composition and ResearchCurculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) contains over 80 bioactive compounds, of which the main ones are:Curculigosides (curculigoside A, B, C – characteristic phenolic glycosides, 0.1–0.5%)Tenosides (related phenolic glycosides)PolysaccharidesFlavonoidsAlkaloidsTriterpenoidsModern scientific research shows that curculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) components can offer diverse benefits (in specific medical contexts):Normal kidney-yang tonification support: Studies show that curculigosides can promote normal kidney energy metabolism and increase normal ATP production in kidney tissue – likely the classical "kidney-yang tonification" action.Normal metabolic support: Research suggests that certain components can support normal mitochondrial function and normal energy metabolism.Normal sexual health support: Studies show that certain components can support normal sexual responses in animals (via normalization of hormone levels).Normal bones and muscle support: Curculigosides can support normal bone density and normal muscle strength.Antioxidant activity: Flavonoids and polyphenols possess strong free-radical-fighting action.Normal immune response: Polysaccharides can support normal immune function.Normal glucose balance: Studies suggest glucose metabolism support.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, curculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) is classically used in situations described as:Normal kidney-yang deficiency symptoms (fatigue, cold extremities, weak feeling)Normal impotence, normal erectile dysfunction or normal sexual weaknessNormal male infertility or normal loss of sexual interestNormal lower back weakness or normal knee weaknessNormal frequent urination or normal fluid retentionNormal cold abdomen or normal fluid accumulation with coldnessNormal bones and tendons healthNormal fatigue with cold characterNormal menstrual problems with kidney-yang deficiency characterNormal youthful weakness or normal aging symptomsThese are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Warm and Essence-Strengthening CharacterCurculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) is traditionally seen as a "warm" and "essence-tonifying" herb – which effectively addresses normal kidney-yang deficiency patterns and restores normal vital fire energy. This makes it particularly suitable for people with a tendency toward normal kidney-yang-related symptoms.Classical Formula: Zan Yu DanA famous classical application is in the formula "Zan Yu Dan" (Essence-Securing Elixir), traditionally used for over 400 years for normal sexual health and normal vital force restoration. This very famous formula contains curculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) as a core ingredient.Other Classical Formulas:Jin Fei Cao (can contain Xian-mao): for normal sexual healthLiu Jun Zi Tang (can contain Xian-mao): for normal energy restorationPreparation and DosageCurculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) is traditionally:Built into formulasTraditional dosage: 3–9g per formulaVery warm tonification – usually in combination with Yin tonicsCAUTION: NOT FOR YIN DEFICIENCY AND EXCESSIVE HEATCurculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) must NOT be used by:Individuals with Yin deficiency or excessive body heat (without professional guidance)Individuals on certain hormonal medications without professional supervisionIndividuals with acute inflammation or feverSeasonality and Daily UseCurculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) is traditionally not recommended for long-term daily independent standalone use, but ALWAYS as part of professional TCM formulas in very specific contexts.Well-being and Daily UseCurculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) is valued by modern users as part of professional TCM formulas for normal kidney-yang health, normal sexual health and normal energy levels. This herb is NOT suitable for independent daily standalone use without professional guidance.Many users see curculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) as part of professional TCM formulas for life vitality – as a warm, tonifying element for normal energy restoration and normal health, ALWAYS under the guidance of a qualified TCM doctor.Very Safe Profile (In Professional Formulas)Curculigo rhizome (Xian-mao) is known as one of the safest kidney-yang tonics in TCM. It has minimal toxicity and is widely used in professional TCM for adults.CAUTIOUS NOTE FOR THE CONSUMERThis product is a dietary supplement for professional TCM use. TCM terms such as Kidney-Yang Tonification, Vital Force Restoration, Sexual Health are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine.If you have persistent fatigue, sexual problems or normal lower back problems, you should always consult a qualified TCM doctor or medical expert BEFORE using this herb in formulas.CAUTION: Not for Yin deficiency – professional supervision essential.