Cyathula Root
川牛膝 · chuān niú xī
Moves blood for period pain, joint stiffness, and swelling
Properties
NeutralNeutral botanicalSweet, Bitter
What it does
Cyathula root gets blood moving. When sluggish circulation causes period pain or pelvic ache, practitioners reach for it. Bensky describes it working in two directions: in the upper body it promotes lactation, and in the lower body it unblocks menstruation. It also reduces painful swellings, especially of the breast or testicles.
Safety
- Bensky contraindicates it during pregnancy outright; AHPA allows it only under practitioner supervision.
- Not for excessive menstrual bleeding or cases without blood stasis (AHPA Safety Class 2b, 2d).
- Generally well tolerated at standard decoction doses of 6-15g.
How to take it
Decoct 6-15g in 4 cups water for 30 minutes. Commonly combined with dong quai, cyperus, or astragalus for menstrual or joint conditions.
Best used as part of a formula for blood circulation, menstrual irregularity, or joint pain
Follow the product label for formulas containing chuan niu xi. Check which niu xi it lists, since manufacturers often substitute achyranthes root even where the classical formula calls for cyathula.
Look for it in blood-moving or menstrual support formula products
Where it comes from
Cyathula root entered the Materia Medica formally in the 17th century. Practitioners quickly recognized it differs from achyranthes root (huai niu xi), and mix-ups persist: writing only 'niu xi' in a prescription means achyranthes is dispensed. Specify 'chuan niu xi' for movement through the upper-body vessels; 'huai niu xi' to drive firmly downward.