Ba Ji Tian, the measured tonic of the South
Ba Ji Tian is the root of morinda, an evergreen climber of the coffee and madder family. Fleshy and swollen at intervals, it looks like a string of beads, hence its popular name Ji Chang Feng, “chicken gut”. Its first character probably refers to the land of Ba, present-day Chongqing, where the wild plant came from; but today all production comes from Guangdong, above all Deqing county, after five to seven years of cultivation. A saying gives it its rank: “ginseng in the north, Ba Ji Tian in the south”. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing already placed it in the upper class, that of substances that can be taken over a long period.
Warming Kidney Yang, without drying
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the root is slightly warm, sweet and pungent in flavour. The sweet nourishes and tonifies, the pungent sets things in motion: one root can both support the foundation and dispel what has settled in the meridians. But the decisive word is “slightly”: its warmth is measured. Associated with the Kidney, which the tradition regards as the root of all the body’s Yang, it is traditionally used to tonify Kidney Yang, gently; the texts praise it for “tonifying Fire without drying Water”. Its sweetness also nourishes Kidney Essence.
Strengthening tendons and bones
Also associated with the Liver, it reaches the two pillars of the body’s frame: the Kidney governs the bones, the Liver governs the tendons, and by tonifying both, it strengthens tendons and bones. It also dispels Wind and Dampness from the meridians and joints, when it is Kidney Yang that is lacking underneath. With eucommia (Du Zhong), it forms the reference pairing for the frame of the lower body. One step comes first: the woody core of the root is removed, since only the flesh counts, thick and purple when cut.
Key benefits
Kidney Yang & inner warmth
Slightly warm, morinda gently tonifies Kidney Yang without consuming Yin.
Strengthened tendons & bones
A tonic for the bones and the Kidney, it tonifies the Kidney and Liver and strengthens tendons and bones according to TCM.
Nourished Essence & vitality
Its sweetness nourishes Kidney Essence, the Jing of Chinese tradition, and its measured warmth suits long-term use.
