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The root of Achyranthes bidentata (Niuxi) grows straight downwards. Its stem has nodes and resembles the knee joint of a cow, hence its name. It is also known as "Baojie" (Violent Joint). The roots are harvested in the second and eighth months (spring and autumn), dried in the shade, and used. Roots approximately two to three chi long are considered superior. It is found in Jianghuai, Fujian, Guangdong, and Guanzhong regions, but none compare to those produced in Huaqing (modern-day Jiaozuo, Henan), where the roots are extremely long, large, and supple.

Tu Niuxi (Achyranthes aspera) is available everywhere but is unsuitable for medicinal consumption. Only those cultivated by households in northern China and Sichuan are considered excellent. Tu Niuxi possesses a thinner endowment of vital energy, thus growing short and slender; it primarily serves to break up blood stasis (as stated by Shicai). In spring and summer, the leaves are used; in autumn and winter, the roots are used. Among them, the leaf juice acts particularly quickly. (The leaves grow opposite each other, resembling Amaranthus but longer and with pointed tips.) Chuan Niuxi (Cyathula officinalis) possesses a richer endowment of vital energy, thus growing plump and long; it primarily serves to tonify essence and marrow (as stated by Shicai).

It tastes bitter and sour, with a neutral nature. Its qi is light while its flavor is rich; it moves yet can tonify, and its nature favors descending. It enters the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian and the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. When raw, it removes bad blood; when processed with wine, it tonifies the Liver and Heart. (Xi Yan states: For women, taking this herb should cause blood to return to the Sea of Blood and circulate.) It should be steamed with wine before use. It further treats cold-dampness Bi syndrome (painful obstruction), limb contracture, knee pain with inability to flex or extend, tonifies the Kidney and strengthens tendons, regulates softness and weakness/coldness of the waist and knees, as well as lumbar and spinal pain, promotes the flow of Yin Qi, tonifies essential Qi, treats internal injury resulting in shortness of breath, atrophy of the male genitalia, and urinary incontinence in the elderly.

[Text fragments interspersed with other herbs/symptoms: Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Xianmao (Curculiginis Rhizome), Gualou (Trichosanthis Fructus), Shouwu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), limb contracture, Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex), Wujiapi (Acanthopanacis Cortex), orange peel removed of pith, pain in the urethra, abdominal hardness and pain, dysuria or hematuria, knee joints may also be used, or adding Moschus (She Xiang) and Frankincense (Ruxiang) yields better results.]

Attached: A formula specifically using Tu Niuxi. For treating Hou Bi (sore throat) and Ru E (tonsillitis), take one handful of fresh Niuxi root, seven pieces of Ai Ye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium), crush them together with human milk, extract the juice, and instill into the nostrils. After a moment, phlegm and saliva... [text cuts off].

[Discussion] Niuxi tastes bitter. Bitterness tends to descend, entering the Kidney of Supreme Yin without doubt. Following the bitterness is sourness, and the qi becomes warm again; this represents the Liver of Lesser Yang within Yin... Fire... Ah. Kidney and Liver... Regarding Metal... Indeed not false... Therefore directly borrowing... What position does it occupy? Floating Qi is called Wei (Defensive Qi)... The essence of its Qi... Qi attaches to become... If it affects the intestines, it causes dysentery. Metal and Water are below... Like five... Can transform... Main indications... Foot, namely... Water to follow... Qi not... Miao Shi advises against including it in upper jiao medications. It should not be used for amenorrhea of recent onset where pregnancy is suspected. For spleen deficiency causing clear Yang to sink leading to diarrhea/dysentery, and leg pain due to spleen deficiency...

[Processing] To promote blood circulation, use raw. For inclusion in tonifying formulas, mix with wine and steam before use.