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
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.
Crude Drug Identification
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.
