What are the effects, functions, and methods of consumption of Morinda root (Ba Ji Tian)?

Generally speaking, Morinda root (Ba Ji Tian) is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb that offers various benefits and functions, including nourishing kidney and enhancing yang energy, removing wind-dampness, strengthening tendons and bones, regulating menstruation and relieving pain, and anti-aging effects. It can be consumed via various methods such as stewing with meat, soaking in alcohol, grinding into powder for oral consumption, making into tea, or cooking into porridge. Detailed explanations are as follows:

I. Benefits and Functions

1. Nourish the Kidney and Enhance Yang Energy

Morinda root is slightly warm in nature and enters the kidney meridian, exerting effects of warming the kidney and boosting yang energy. It is commonly used to treat symptoms caused by kidney yang deficiency, such as impotence, premature ejaculation, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, cold intolerance, and cold limbs.

2. Remove Wind-Dampness

Morinda root has a warm nature and can expel internal cold and dampness. By improving blood circulation and reducing inflammatory responses, it helps eliminate wind-dampness and alleviate conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and muscular pain.

3. Strengthen Tendons and Bones

Morinda root nourishes the liver and kidneys, thus strengthening tendons and bones. It can be used to treat symptoms such as weakness in tendons and bones and soreness or pain in the lower back and knees.

4. Regulate Menstruation and Relieve Pain

Morinda root promotes circulation through the meridians, alleviates pain, and helps relieve symptoms such as irregular menstruation and dysmenorrhea in women.

5. Enhance Immune Function

Morinda root enhances the function of the immune system, improving the body's resistance to diseases. Additionally, it stimulates the activity of immune cells and promotes antibody production, helping to prevent common illnesses such as colds and influenza.

II. Methods of Consumption

1. Stewing with Meat

Morinda root can be stewed together with beef, lamb, or other meats, with appropriate seasonings and water added, until the meat becomes tender. Stewing Morinda root with meat not only enhances the nutritional value and flavor of the meat but also allows the herb's medicinal effects to be exerted, providing nourishing and health-enhancing benefits. It is especially suitable for individuals with weak constitutions or kidney yang deficiency.

2. Soaking in Alcohol

Place an appropriate amount of Morinda root into white liquor and seal it for several days before consumption. The active ingredients in Morinda root can be extracted by alcohol and absorbed by the body when consumed.

3. Grinding into Powder for Oral Consumption

Dry Morinda root thoroughly by sun-drying or oven-drying, then grind it into powder. Take an appropriate amount each time, mix with warm boiled water, and consume. Morinda root powder is convenient for storage, transport, and consumption.

4. Making into Tea

Wash and slice the root of Morinda root, place the slices into a teacup, and pour boiling water over them to steep. Making tea is a simple and convenient method suitable for daily consumption.

5. Cooking into Porridge

Cook Morinda root together with glutinous rice, red dates, and other ingredients into a porridge. This method not only facilitates digestion and absorption but also provides nourishing and health-enhancing effects. Morinda root porridge warms kidney yang, strengthens tendons and bones, and improves kidney deficiency.

In daily use, it is important to follow the principle of moderation and avoid excessive consumption of Morinda root to help maintain good health.