Roots and rhizomesBlood-activatingRadix Cyathulae
Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula Root)
川牛膝 · Chuan Niu Xi
Blood-activating herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Expels stasis, frees menstruation, benefits the joints, promotes moist urination, frees strangury.
Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Radix Cyathulae |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 川牛膝 · Chuan Niu Xi |
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| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
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| Efficacy Category | Blood-activating |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried root of Cyathula officinalis Kuan (Amaranthaceae). |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet, Slightly bitter; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Liver, Kidney |
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What Is Chuan Niu Xi?
Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Slightly bitter; Neutral
Channels Entered: Liver, Kidney
Chuan Niu Xi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Radix Cyathulae
Botanical Origin
The dried root of Cyathula officinalis Kuan (Amaranthaceae).
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan, Guizhou.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has few braches, thick roots, pale yellow fractured surface.
Macroscopic Features
Sub-cylindrical, slightly twisted, slightly thin or seldom branches downwards, 30~60cm long, 0.5~3cm diameter. Externally yellowish-brown or grayish-brown, some slightly twisted longitudinal wrinkles, lateral root and many horizontal scattered lenticels-like raised. Pliable texture, not easily broken; fractured surface is pale yellow or brownish-yellow, with vein bundle spots arranged into numerous concentric rings. faint odor; sweet taste.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet, Slightly bitter; NeutralLiverKidney
Traditional Functions
Expels stasis, frees menstruation, benefits the joints, promotes moist urination, frees strangury. Apply to amenorrhea and abdominal mass, lacenta retension, joint impediment, foot paralysis and tendon spasms, hematuria and bloody stranguria, falls wounds.
Classical Formulas Containing Chuan Niu Xi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chuan Niu Xi? Is it the same as Huai Niu Xi or Tu Niu Xi?
Chuan Niu Xi (川牛膝) is the dried root of Cyathula officinalis Kuan. The pharmacopoeial name is Cyathulae Radix, mainly from Sichuan, Yunnan and Guizhou; Tianquan material is traditionally prized. Huai Niu Xi is Achyranthes bidentata, official under the name “Niu Xi,” from the Huaiqing region of Henan. Tu Niu Xi is usually a wild relative used more to resolve toxin and swelling—not the same official slice. A script that says only “Niu Xi” is normally filled with Huai Niu Xi; write “Chuan Niu Xi” for this drug.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Chuan Niu Xi?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Chuan Niu Xi is sweet, slightly bitter and neutral, enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and acts to dispel stasis and unblock the menses, free the joints, and promote urination to drain strangury. It is used for amenorrhea and masses, retained placenta, trauma, Wind-Damp painful obstruction, flaccid contracted legs, and bloody strangury. Neutral and descending, it “opens” more than it “tonifies,” and it moves Blood and frees the lower-limb joints more strongly than Huai Niu Xi.
What does “Huai tonifies, Chuan breaks” mean? How do you choose?
The saying is “Huai tonifies, Chuan breaks” (or “Huai tonifies, Chuan opens”). Huai Niu Xi is better to tonify Liver and Kidney and strengthen sinew and bone, while still moving Blood downward. Chuan Niu Xi is better to dispel stasis, unblock the menses and free the joints, with weaker tonic force. Weak sore lumbar and knees from deficiency favor Huai; stasis amenorrhea, trauma and lower-limb Bi without marked deficiency favor Chuan. Mixed patterns may use both—but the script must name the drug. They are not substitutes.
Learn More About Chuan Niu Xi
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Chuan Niu Xi.
Read the Chuan Niu Xi Guide →
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
