Rhizome of Common Curculigo … Classic Formulas
Xian Mao · Rhizoma Curculiginis
Primary Actions
- Warms Kidney yang and strengthens the lower back and knees ... Xian Mao is a hot yang tonic for weakness, cold limbs, impotence, and lower-body debility.
- Dispels cold-damp and relieves painful obstruction ... it is used when chronic joint pain, numbness, or weakness is aggravated by cold and dampness.
- Supports sinews and bones ... traditional use extends to frailty, lumbar soreness, and reduced physical vigor in Kidney-yang deficiency patterns.
Classic Formulas
- Er Xian Tang ... canonical formula where Xian Mao warms Kidney yang while companion herbs prevent excessive drying or flaring.
- Kidney-yang and cold-bi combinations with Ba Ji Tian or Du Zhong ... traditional strategy when weakness and painful obstruction coexist.
- Lower-burner warming formulas ... used for cold-dominant impotence and exhaustion rather than for generic fatigue.
Classical Text References
- Traditional herb texts describe Xian Mao as acrid, hot, and mildly toxic, entering the Kidney and Liver to warm yang and dispel cold-damp.
- Its reputation comes from heat and force rather than gentleness, which explains its tighter contraindication profile.