Curculiginis Rhizoma
Aliases：Dì Zōng, Dú Máo, Shān Dǎng Shēn, Hǎi Nán Shēn, Dì Zōng Gēn, Dú Máo Gēn, Dú Jiǎo Xiān Máo, Xiān Máo Shēn, Bō Luó Mén Shēn, Féi Xiān Máo.
Xiān Máo is a Yang-tonifying medicinal herb. It is the dried rhizome of Curculigo orchioides Gaertn., a plant belonging to the genus Curculigo of the family Hypoxidaceae. This plant is a perennial herb with a nearly cylindrical, erect rhizome with brown outer bark; the leaves are basal, linear or lanceolate in shape. Xiān Máo was first recorded in Leigong Paozhi Lun (Master Lei‘s Treatise on Preparation) and is an important herb in the traditional Chinese medicine system for warming the kidneys and invigorating Yang. It has been documented in successive herbal classics including Haiyao Bencao, Kaibao Bencao, and Compendium of Materia Medica.
Efficacy & Actions
Warms the kidneys and invigorates Yang; strengthens the sinews and bones; dispels cold and dampness.
Indications
Indicated for Kidney Yang deficiency and decline of the Gate of Life fire, manifesting as impotence, spermatorrhea with cold sensation, enuresis, frequent urination, cold and painful lower back and knees, weak sinews and bones, cold-dampness arthralgia, and cold diarrhea with abdominal pain. It may also be used for cold qi in the chest and abdomen, poor appetite, and urinary incontinence in the elderly.
Modern Pharmacology
Effects on the gonads: Xiān Máo exhibits sex hormone-like effects; its aqueous extract significantly increases the weight of the anterior pituitary, ovaries, and uterus. Effects on the immune system: It significantly enhances peritoneal macrophage phagocytosis, increases T lymphocyte percentage, and boosts immune function. Effects on the central nervous system: Its alcohol extract exhibits sedative and anticonvulsant effects. Antitumor effects: Xiān Máo has certain antitumor activity, with its main components—phenolics and phenolic glycosides, triterpenoid saponins, flavonoids, and polysaccharides—all showing relevant activity. Anti-osteoporotic effects: Many clinical formulas for preventing and treating osteoporosis contain Xiān Máo. Other effects: It also exhibits anti-aging, hypoxia tolerance, anti-hyperthermia, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, antibacterial, coronary vasodilatory, cardiotonic, and heart rate-accelerating effects.
Ingredients
Phenolics and phenolic glycosides Triterpenoid saponins (cycloartane-type triterpenoids and their glycosides) Lignans and lignan glycosides Flavonoids (e.g., myricetin glycosides) Chlorinated compounds and norlignans Benzene-substituted compounds, sterols, and fatty compounds Polysaccharides In addition, the rhizome also contains resins, fatty acids, starch, and mucilage.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water, 3–10 g; or make into pills or powders; may also be steeped in wine. For external use: apply an appropriate amount, crushed and applied topically.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of Yin deficiency with fire excess—as Xiān Máo is pungent and drying, it consumes Yin fluids and will aggravate Yin deficiency with fire excess symptoms. Contraindicated in pregnant women and children—as this product is toxic. Not suitable for long-term use due to its hot, dry, and toxic nature. Long-term or high-dose use may cause target organ toxicity to the liver, kidneys, and reproductive organs. Dietary contraindications: Avoid cold and raw foods, beef, and milk; avoid foods rich in iron. Avoid iron utensils. Not suitable for those with a strong constitution and exuberant ministerial fire—Compendium of Materia Medica records: "If those with a strong constitution and exuberant ministerial fire take it, it may instead stir up fire."
Selected Formulas
For decline of life-gate fire, impotence, premature ejaculation, and cold sperm infertility (Wanshi Jiachao Fang, Xianmao Jiu) Take Xianmao (Curculigo rhizome) with Yinyanghuo (Epimedium), Bajitian (Morinda root), and Jinyingzi (Rosa fruit). Soak in wine and drink. For liver-kidney deficiency with premature graying of hair and beard, and blurred vision (Shengji Zonglu, Xianmao Wan) Take Xianmao with Gouqizi (Goji berry), Cheqianzi (Plantago seed), and raw and prepared Rehmannia. Make into pills and take. For menopausal hypertension in women (Shanghai Shuguang Hospital formula, Erxian Tang) Take Xianmao, Xianlingpi (Epimedium), Bajitian (or Tusizi), Huangbai (Phellodendron), Zhimu (Anemarrhena), and Danggui (Angelica). Decoct in water and drink. For yang-deficiency enuresis and diarrhea (empirical formula, Sanxian Tang) Take 6g of Xianmao, 12g of Yinyanghuo, and 15g of Xianhecao (Agrimony). May add Chenpi (tangerine peel) and Gancao (Licorice) as needed. Decoct in water and drink. For wind-cold-dampness impediment (Qixiao Liangfang, Xianmao San) Take Xianmao with Chenpi, Zhike (bitter orange), Houpo (Magnolia bark), Guangui (Cinnamon), Danggui, and Chuanxiong (Ligusticum). Decoct in water or make into powder and take.
Daily Consumption
Decoction for oral administration: Chop Xiān Máo, add water, and decoct to make a decoction for consumption. This is the most common method of administration. Wine infusion: Steep Xiān Máo with other tonic herbs such as Epimedium, Morinda, and Goji Berry in high-proof liquor, seal and soak. Consume after it is ready. Xiān Máo steeped alone in wine is suitable for lower back and knee pain due to Kidney Yang deficiency and cold-dampness invasion. Xiān Máo, Goji Berry, and Squab Soup: Xiān Máo 50 g, Goji Berry 50 g, Red Dates 4 pieces, squab 1, lean meat 150 g, ginger 2 slices. Simmer for 3 hours. This soup benefits the Heart and Spleen, and consolidates essence and Qi. Xiān Máo with Pork Kidney: Xiān Máo 12 g, pork kidney 2 pieces, with cooking wine, ginger, scallion, salt, and broth. Simmer for 35 minutes. Suitable for patients with hypertension, impotence, and lower back pain. Xiān Máo and Pork Soup: Xiān Máo 15 g, Cherokee Rose 15 g, lean pork 200 g. Stew and consume. Suitable for lower back weakness, chills, and cold intolerance due to Kidney Yang deficiency.
Medicinal Parts
Dried rhizome.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container. Wine-processed Xiān Máo and other processed products should be kept in sealed containers. Store in a ventilated, dry place, or a cool, dry place, protected from moisture and insects.
