Renjingcao is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the tuber of Habenaria ciliolaris Kraenzl., a plant in the Orchidaceae family. It is distributed in the Yangtze River basin, Taiwan, and other areas. It has the effects of strengthening the lower back and tonifying the kidneys, clearing heat and draining dampness, and detoxifying. It is used to treat lower back pain due to kidney deficiency, nocturnal emissions, erectile dysfunction, leukorrhea, heat-induced dysuria, venomous snake bites, and boils and abscesses.
Kidney-Nourishing Herb
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All references in this article to TCM syndrome differentiation, herbal medicines, teas, and decoctions are intended to promote TCM culture and are provided solely for educational and reference purposes.
Renjingcao is the name of a traditional Chinese medicine. It is the tuber of Habenaria ciliolaris Kraenzl., a plant in the Orchidaceae family. It is distributed in the Yangtze River basin, Taiwan, and other areas. It has the effects of strengthening the lower back and tonifying the kidneys, clearing heat and draining dampness, and detoxifying. It is used to treat lower back pain due to kidney deficiency, nocturnal emissions, erectile dysfunction, leukorrhea, heat-induced dysuria, venomous snake bites, and boils and abscesses.
Chinese Name : 肾精草
Aliases : Kidney Meridian Herb, Jade Peak Flower, Eyelash Orchid, Earth Tianma, Silver Orchid, Chicken Kidney Herb, Chicken Herb, Double Kidney Herb, Ground Husband
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism : Sweet and slightly bitter in taste; neutral in nature
Benefits & Efficacy
Benefits
Strengthens the lower back and nourishes the kidneys; clears heat and drains dampness; detoxifies.
Indications
Used for lower back pain due to kidney deficiency, nocturnal emission, erectile dysfunction, leukorrhea, heat-induced dysuria, venomous snake bites, and abscesses and boils.
Usage and Dosage
Internal use: Decoct 9–15 g. External use: Apply an appropriate amount of fresh, pounded herb as a poultice.
Precautions
Patients requiring treatment with traditional Chinese medicine should first consult a licensed TCM hospital, where a TCM practitioner will conduct a professional pattern differentiation and issue a prescription.
Relevant Discussions
*Hunan Materia Medica*: “Clears heat and generates body fluids; nourishes yin and tonifies the kidneys. Primarily treats kidney deficiency with nocturnal emission, erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and boils, scabies, and toxic swellings.”
Applications
Clinical Applications
1. For kidney deficiency with nocturnal emission: 15g each of Kidney Meridian Herb, Golden Rosehip, and Polygonatum; 9g each of Wild Codonopsis and Prepared Rehmannia. Decoct in water and take orally.
2. For erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation: 15g each of Kidney Meridian Herb, Polygonatum, and Wild Codonopsis; 9g of Earthworm. Decoct in water and take orally. (Formulas 1–2 are from *Hunan Materia Medica*)
Processing & Preparation
Harvesting & Processing
Harvest in spring or fall; thoroughly remove stems, leaves, and fibrous roots; wash clean; and sun-dry.
Botanical Information
Botanical Classification
A plant of the Orchidaceae family, *Maoting Yufenghua*.
Morphological Characteristics
A perennial herb, 25–60 cm tall. The corm is fleshy and oblong. Leaves are elliptic-lanceolate. The raceme bears 6–15 flowers; the flowers are white or greenish-white. Flowering period: July–September.
Distribution Area
Distributed in the Yangtze River Basin, Taiwan, and other areas.
Copyright: Excerpt from Internet, Copyright belongs to the Original Author and all original sources, This article was shared by DeDe on July 31, 2026, Please credit the source and include a link to the original article when reposting.
Terminology Proofreading: [Cheng Bo] | July 31, 2026 Reviewed by: [Wang Zhongxiang, Associate Chief TCM Physician (China)] | July 31, 2026
Correct Content Errors: Errors may occur during the writing, editing, translation, and publication of website content. If you find any errors or inaccurate information in this article, please feel free to Contact Us to report them, and we will correct them promptly.
FDA Disclaimer: The descriptions of the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines, herbal teas, decoctions, and formulas, as well as the content on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic theory and traditional TCM therapies contained on this site, are intended solely for the purpose of popularizing TCM culture and serving as an educational reference; they do not constitute medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Please do not attempt to use these products on your own without proper guidance. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are experiencing any physical discomfort, please consult a licensed healthcare professional and seek treatment at a reputable medical institution. This platform assumes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of herbs or formulas by any individual based on the information provided on this site. Please read Medical Disclaimer.
