What are the functions, effects and contraindications of Achyranthes bidentata?

Achyranthes bidentata is not the knee of a cow. It is a plant of the Amaranthaceae family. Its roots can be used as medicine. It often grows in sandy soil on hillsides and has a well-developed root system. The shape of the ox-knee grass is very distinctive. If you observe carefully, you will find that there are many ridges on its stem, which are very similar to the kneecap of a cow, hence the name. Don’t underestimate these seemingly inconspicuous Achyranthes bidentata roots. You should know that the functions and effects of Achyranthes bidentata are not as simple as their appearance.

Because of its slightly sweet and slightly astringent taste, many people cook it together with loofah or jellyfish. The dishes taste great and have high nutritional value. Of course, it is best to use it to stew soup, because this can better bring out the role and effect of Achyranthes bidentata. Achyranthes bidentata is a traditional Chinese medicine in my country, and its effects have been recorded a long time ago.

Achyranthes bidentata is good at promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis. It is often used together with other medicines such as radix ophiopogonis, persica kernel, angelica sinensis, and yanhusuo to treat various blood stasis diseases in gynecology and traumatology. It can not only promote blood circulation and regulate menstruation, but also remove blood stasis and heal injuries.

Achyranthes bidentata is good at descending in nature and enters the liver and kidney meridians. It can nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen the tendons and bones, and also promote blood circulation and benefit the joints. It is a commonly used medicine for treating diseases of the waist, knees and lower limbs. For waist and knee pain caused by liver and kidney deficiency, it is often used together with Atractylodes lancea, Cibotium bark, papaya, etc.; for waist and knee joint pain caused by damp heat, it is often used together with Atractylodes lancea, Phellodendron chinense, etc.; for rheumatic pain and lower limb joint pain, it can be used together with papaya, Stephania tetrandra, Angelica dahurica, etc.

Achyranthes bidentata is bitter and can drain blood downward, conduct heat downward, and treat symptoms of blood heat in the upper part of the body. It is often used with Platycladus orientalis leaves, Imperata root, Thistle, etc. to treat vomiting blood and epistaxis. It can also be combined with yin-nourishing and heat-clearing drugs such as Rehmannia glutinosa and Gypsum to treat swollen and painful gums, which are symptoms of yin deficiency and hyperactivity of fire. It can also treat hyperactivity of liver yang, upward flow of qi and blood, headache and dizziness, and is often used together with liver-calming drugs such as magnetite, dragon bone, and oyster.

Achyranthes bidentata can also be used to treat symptoms such as difficulty urinating , painful and stifling urination, and hematuria.

Although the effects and functions of Achyranthes bidentata can strengthen the muscles and bones, nourish the liver and kidneys, etc., due to its ability to promote blood circulation and regulate menstruation, for women with heavy menstruation, taking Achyranthes bidentata may have adverse effects. Friends with insufficient internal energy should try not to take it. Not all drugs that strengthen the liver and kidneys are good for the spleen. For example, if people with spleen deficiency eat Achyranthes bidentata, the symptoms of spleen deficiency may be aggravated.