The efficacy of drinking water infused with Achyranthes root (Niuxi)

Jan 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

Introduction

Achyranthes root (Niuxi) has the function of nourishing the liver and kidneys, enhancing their functions. When the liver and kidneys are sufficient in vitality, the tendons and bones receive proper nourishment. For symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, and weakness in the tendons and bones caused by insufficiency of the liver and kidneys, drinking water infused with Achyranthes root can help improve these conditions. It is especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly individuals, as well as those whose liver and kidney deficiencies result from long-term physical strain. Additionally, Achyranthes root promotes blood circulation and resolves blood stasis, helping to improve blood flow and dissipate瘀blood.

Achyranthes root is a traditional Chinese herb that can be used both medicinally and as food. Drinking it infused in water generally has several health benefits, including nourishing the liver and kidneys, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, directing blood flow downward, promoting diuresis and relieving urinary difficulties, and improving sleep.

1. Nourish the Liver and Kidneys

Achyranthes root can nourish and strengthen the liver and kidneys, thereby enhancing their functions. When the liver and kidneys are strong, the tendons and bones are properly nourished. For symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the waist and knees, and weakness in the tendons and bones caused by deficiency of the liver and kidneys, drinking Achyranthes-infused water can help alleviate these symptoms. It is especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly individuals, as well as those whose liver and kidney deficiencies result from chronic fatigue or overexertion.

2. Promote Blood Circulation and Remove Blood Stasis

Achyranthes root promotes blood circulation and resolves blood stasis, helping to improve blood flow and dissipate stagnant blood. It can be used to relieve symptoms caused by blood stasis, such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, and injuries from falls or blows. Drinking water infused with Achyranthes root can improve local blood circulation and alleviate pain and swelling caused by blood stasis.

3. Direct Blood Flow Downward

Achyranthes root is effective in directing blood downward, helping to channel upward-flaming fire or rebellious upward movement of blood back to the lower body, thereby restoring normal circulation of qi and blood. For symptoms such as headache and dizziness caused by hyperactivity of liver yang, or hematemesis and epistaxis caused by abnormal movement of blood due to heat, drinking Achyranthes-infused water can help direct blood downward, alleviating symptoms of excessive internal heat and bleeding in the upper body.

4. Promote Diuresis and Relieve Urinary Difficulties

Achyranthes root has diuretic properties and can help promote urine excretion, offering certain therapeutic effects for conditions such as heat-induced urinary tract infections, hematuria, and urinary stones. Drinking water infused with Achyranthes root can increase urine output, help flush the urinary tract, reduce pain and discomfort during urination, and aid in the elimination of urinary system stones.

5. Improve Sleep

Achyranthes root also has a calming and soothing effect, helping to relieve mental tension and improve insomnia. Individuals who frequently stay up late or experience high work pressure may benefit from moderate consumption of Achyranthes-infused water, which can help improve sleep quality.

It is recommended to consume Achyranthes-infused water in moderation, avoiding long-term or excessive intake. In daily life, it is important to develop healthy lifestyle habits, ensure sufficient sleep, avoid staying up late, and maintain a light and balanced diet, all of which contribute to overall health.

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Can cow knee be steeped in water for consumption?

As a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, Achyranthes root (Niuxi) has the effects of promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis and strengthening tendons and bones. For individuals needing to improve blood circulation or alleviate joint pain, moderate consumption of Achyranthes root steeped in water may be beneficial to health, provided there is no allergy to Achyranthes root or other related ingredients, and no body constitution characteristics such as damp-heat or yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity considered unsuitable for using Achyranthes root according to TCM.

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Can raspberry, prepared rehmannia, and knee-hawkweed be soaked in alcohol together?

Under normal circumstances, raspberry, prepared rehmannia root, and achyranthes root can be soaked together in wine. Raspberry has the effects of consolidating essence and reducing urinary frequency, as well as nourishing the liver and kidneys; prepared rehmannia root can nourish yin, enrich blood, and replenish essence and marrow; while achyranthes root promotes blood circulation, regulates menstruation, and strengthens tendons and bones. When combined in a wine preparation, these three ingredients can help nourish the liver and kidneys, enrich essence and blood, strengthen tendons and bones, and consolidate essence while reducing urinary frequency. However, consumption should be moderate and guided by a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.

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Can Compound Earthworm Capsules treat stroke?

Stroke refers to cerebrovascular accident. Compound Earthworm Capsules are not used to treat stroke, but may be used as an adjunctive treatment for patients in the recovery phase of ischemic stroke. Compound Earthworm Capsules are a type of traditional Chinese medicine preparation, with main ingredients including earthworm (Pheretima), Szechwan lovage rhizome (Chuanxiong), membranous milkvetch root (Huangqi), and achyranthes root (Niuxi). It has the functions of removing blood stasis to unblock the meridians, invigorating qi and activating blood circulation, and is commonly used to treat specific symptoms such as hemiplegia and facial paralysis.