- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (tropical), Oceania (Australia)
- Sanskrit
- Talamulika
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Chinese medical traditions
Asia · Herb · № 475
Curculigo orchiodes
Herb · Asia
Black musli
Curculigo orchiodes
Traditionally attributed effects: bitter aromatic tonic, soothing, diuretic, aphrodisiac, cleansing; for haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, jaundice, asthma, itching and skin diseases, urinary stones, bronchitis, lumbago, recovery after illness.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Chinese materia medica: Slightly toxic: not with yin deficiency and not for long periods.
Preparation
Powder 3–6 g; with sugar and ghee or in warm milk during recovery; poultice on the skin.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Talamulika. In Ayurveda the tuber (kali musli) is used as a strengthening remedy; in Chinese medicine it is called xian mao and warms kidney yang. Raw it is poisonous.
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.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Bitter aromatic tonic, soothing, diuretic, aphrodisiac, cleansing; for haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, jaundice, asthma, itching and skin diseases, urinary stones, bronchitis, lumbago, recovery after illness.
Preparation and amount
Powder 3–6 g; with sugar and ghee or in warm milk during recovery; poultice on the skin.
Chinese materia medica
- Nature and taste
- pungent, hot
- Meridians
- kidney, liver
Attributed effects
Xian mao strengthens the kidney yang in impotence, cold, involuntary urination and a painful lower back, and strengthens bones and tendons. Used in menopausal complaints from deficiency of yin and yang.
Preparation and amount
Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction.
Combinations
- With yin yang huo for menopausal complaints
Caution: Slightly toxic: not with yin deficiency and not for long periods.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionPowder and kitchen
- Formulas
- Er xian tang