Natural Herb Library

Niu Xi Root

Chinese
牛膝
Pinyin
Niu Xi
Latin
Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae
Botanical illustration of Root of Twotooth Achyranthes, Achyranthes bidentata, showing Niu Xi root material and diagnostic source details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Niu Xi (牛膝), this bitter and sour, neutral herb enters the Liver and Kidney. Traditionally, it invigorates Blood and dispels stasis ... Niu Xi is used for fixed pain, amenorrhea, traumatic bruising, and chronic obstruction patterns in the lower body, most often applied for low back pain, joint pain, and amenorrhea. Modern research has identified Achyranthes among its active constituents.

Part used: Root

Also Known As

Achyranthes Root Achyranthes bidentata Root Niu Xi

Latin: Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae | Pinyin: Niu Xi | Chinese: 牛膝

TCM Properties

Taste
bitter, sour
Temperature
neutral
Channels
Liver, Kidney

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis ... Niu Xi is used for fixed pain, amenorrhea, traumatic bruising, and chronic obstruction patterns in the lower body.
  • Guides Blood and rising heat downward ... it is chosen when headache, dizziness, or hypertension-type patterns benefit from a descending root that also moves stasis.
  • Strengthens sinews and bones ... lower-back soreness, weak knees, and chronic Bi syndrome remain central reasons the herb is used.
  • Promotes urination and frees damp obstruction in the lower burner ... traditional use extends to strangury and swelling when stasis and dampness coexist.

Secondary Actions

  • This page stays on the slimmer dispensing-grade Achyranthes bidentata root lane shown in the local prompt, not the stouter Huai Niu Xi bundles and not the more channel-opening Cyathula `Chuan Niu Xi` sibling.
  • Clinically it remains part of the same Achyranthes bidentata family as `root-of-twotooth-achyranthes`, but the trade identity and visual grading are distinct enough to justify a separate record.

Classic Formulas

  • Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang ... classical downward-guiding use when Liver Yang rises with headache and dizziness.
  • Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang lineage ... traditional lower-back, knee, and Bi syndrome formulas relying on Niu Xi to strengthen the lower body while moving obstruction.
  • Blood-stasis and gynecologic formulas with Tao Ren, Hong Hua, or Dang Gui ... used when menstrual blockage and pain are prominent.

Classical References

  • Traditional herbology consistently places Niu Xi among herbs that both move Blood and guide fire or Blood downward.
  • Later trade distinctions emphasize root form and source ... Huai Niu Xi, ordinary Niu Xi, and Chuan Niu Xi overlap but should not be flattened into one undifferentiated page.

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Achyranthes saponins ... major constituents tied to anti-inflammatory and circulation-related interest
  • Beta-ecdysone and related phytoecdysteroids ... marker compounds repeatedly cited in modern reviews
  • Polysaccharides, betaine, and phenolic acids ... supportive constituent groups in the broader Achyranthes profile

Studied Effects

  • A 2024 review summarized the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Achyranthes bidentata, confirming that modern evidence remains strongest at the species level rather than at specific trade-grade level (PMID 38600792).
  • A 2024 paper identified three new compounds from Achyranthes bidentata, illustrating the continuing phytochemical expansion of the herb family (PMID 36722288).
  • A 2020 systematic-pharmacology and in vitro study explored active compounds from Achyranthes bidentata in osteoarthritis, aligning well with the herb's long traditional association with joints and the lower body (PMID 32925869).

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding or active hemorrhage without stasis
  • Spermatorrhea or other leakage patterns aggravated by a strong downward-directing herb

Cautions

  • Because Niu Xi moves Blood and directs downward, it is not a casual strengthening herb for unsupervised use.
  • Product identity still matters ... Achyranthes and Cyathula roots circulate under overlapping Niu Xi naming with different clinical emphasis.

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Niu Xi Root used for?

Niu Xi Root is traditionally used to Invigorates Blood and dispels stasis ... Niu Xi is used for fixed pain, amenorrhea, traumatic bruising, and chronic obstruction patterns in the lower body., Guides Blood and rising heat downward ... it is chosen when headache, dizziness, or hypertension-type patterns benefit from a descending root that also moves stasis., Strengthens sinews and bones ... lower-back soreness, weak knees, and chronic Bi syndrome remain central reasons the herb is used., Promotes urination and frees damp obstruction in the lower burner ... traditional use extends to strangury and swelling when stasis and dampness coexist.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2024 review summarized the botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology of Achyranthes bidentata, confirming that modern evidence remains strongest at the species level rather than at specific trade-grade level (PMID 38600792).; A 2024 paper identified three new compounds from Achyranthes bidentata, illustrating the continuing phytochemical expansion of the herb family (PMID 36722288)..

What are other names for Niu Xi Root?

Niu Xi Root is also known as Achyranthes Root, Achyranthes bidentata Root, Niu Xi. In TCM: 牛膝 (Niu Xi); Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae.

Is Niu Xi Root safe during pregnancy?

Niu Xi Root is not recommended during pregnancy.

What are the contraindications for Niu Xi Root?

Niu Xi Root should not be used in: Pregnancy; Heavy menstrual bleeding or active hemorrhage without stasis; Spermatorrhea or other leakage patterns aggravated by a strong downward-directing herb. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.