- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- China
- Traditions
- Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 753
Morinda officinalis
Herb · Asia
Morinda root (ba ji tian)
Morinda officinalis
Traditionally attributed effects: strengthens kidney yang and expels wind, cold and dampness from back and legs.
Safety notes
Not with yin deficiency with heat, damp heat or difficult urination. Traditionally not with dan shen. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Root. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.
Use in traditions
Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'tonics'. According to Chinese medicine ba ji tian strengthens kidney yang and the sinews, for impotence, infertility and weak muscles. The root comes mainly from Guangdong and has its core removed.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, sweet, warm
- Meridians
- liver, kidney
Attributed effects
For impotence, infertility, premature ejaculation, frequent urination, irregular menstruation and a cold, weak lower back, and pain from wind, cold and dampness in back and legs.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–12 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With xu duan, sang ji sheng and huai niu xi for lower back pain
- With babchi and cistanche for impotence
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Decoction
- Formulas
- Er xian tang