Huai Niu Xi, the root with knee-like nodes

Niu Xi reads “ox knee”. The name describes the plant, not its use: the swollen nodes of its square stem resemble, as Tao Hongjing explained, the knee of an ox. Its root, thin, long and straight, is harvested from late autumn to early winter. Its reference terroir is Henan, in the former prefecture of Huaiqing, north of the Yellow River, hence its name Huai Niu Xi: it has been cultivated there for more than two thousand years, and it is one of the “four great herbs of Huai”, along with rehmannia, Chinese yam and chrysanthemum. A good root has a fine skin, a firm texture and a glossy, horn-like break.

Supporting the Liver and Kidney, lower back and knees

In traditional Chinese medicine, Niu Xi is neutral, bitter, sour and sweet in flavour. Bitterness makes things descend and sets the Blood in motion, sweetness nourishes the Liver and Kidney, sourness contains; its neutral nature allows it to move the Blood without adding Heat or Cold. Tradition says that the Liver governs the tendons and the Kidney the bones: by entering these two meridians, the root addresses the framework of the lower body, lower back, knees and legs. Its distinctive feature is to replenish and move at the same time, nourishing what is lacking without letting the Blood stagnate. With eucommia (Du Zhong), it supports the whole lower body.

Huai or Chuan: choosing the right Niu Xi

All its actions share the same direction, downwards: it guides the Blood downwards, brings back down what rises to the head, and often carries the other herbs of a formula towards the lower back, knees and legs. Yet the name Niu Xi covers two species: Huai Niu Xi, Henan achyranthes, stronger for replenishing the Liver and Kidney and strengthening tendons and bones; and Chuan Niu Xi, Sichuan cyathula, stronger for moving the Blood. The rule fits in one sentence: Huai Niu Xi to replenish, Chuan Niu Xi to move. It is the former that is found in Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang, where it carries the formula downwards.

Key benefits

Supported joints & framework

According to Chinese tradition, it strengthens the tendons and bones and supports joint comfort in the lower body, lower back and knees.

Nourished Liver & Kidney

Sweet, it replenishes the Liver and Kidney and regenerates kidney and liver energy, without letting the Blood stagnate.

Blood in motion & a downward direction

Bitter and neutral, it supports Blood circulation and draws it downwards, without Heat or Cold.