Use of Ba Ji Tian (morinda roots) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Steam thoroughly, extract the wooden heart of the root while hot, cut into sections and dry.
Dosage: 3 - 12 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Tonifies the Kidney Yang. Expels Wind-Damp-Cold painful obstruction (Bi Pain).
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Ba Ji Tian may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Impotence Infertility Irregular menstruation Arthralgia
Contraindications*: Should not be used by those with either Heat signs caused by Yin Deficiency or Damp Heat patterns. It should not be used by those who are having difficulty urinating.
Common TCM formulas in which Ba Ji Tian is used*
Zan Yu Dan
Source date: 1624 AD
Number of ingredients: 14 herbs
Formula key actions: Warms and tonifies the Kidneys.
Conditions targeted*: Erectile dysfunctionInfertility in male and others
Ba Ji Tian is a king ingredient in Zan Yu Dan. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Zan Yu Dan, Ba Ji Tian tonify the Kidneys and strengthen the Kidney Yang.
Er Xian Tang
Source date: 1950 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Formula key actions: Nourishes Yin and tonifies Yang of the Kidneys. Clears Empty Heat. Regulates the Directing and Penetrating Vessels.
Conditions targeted*: Perimenopausal syndromeEssential hypertension and others
Ba Ji Tian is a deputy ingredient in Er Xian Tang. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
Wen Qi Hua Shi Tang
Source date: 1827 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Formula key actions: Supports Kidney Yang. Supplies Spleen Qi. Expels Cold and Dampness from the Uterus.
In Wen Qi Hua Shi Tang, Ba Ji Tian removes obstructions from the Directing Vessel (Ren Mai)
Key TCM concepts behind Ba Ji Tian's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ba Ji Tian belongs to the 'Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang). Yang Tonics are generally used in combination with a small amount of Yin tonics. If Yin is deficient, neither Qi nor Yang herbs alone will be effective. The most common symptoms associated with Yang Deficiency are low libido and impotence. It is worth mentioning that another very effective remedy against Yang Deficiency is regular exercise.
Furthermore Ba Ji Tian is Warm in nature. This means that Ba Ji Tian tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Ba Ji Tian can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Ba Ji Tian also tastes Pungent and Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Pungent ingredients like Ba Ji Tian tends to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Ba Ji Tian is thought to target the Kidney and the Liver. According to TCM, the Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
Research on Ba Ji Tian
Studies on rats and mice show that M. officinalis extract possesses an antidepressant effect.1
Sources:
1. ZQ Zhang, L Yuan, M Yang, ZP Luo, YM Zhao et al. (2002). The effect of Morinda officinalis How, a Chinese traditional medicinal plant, on the DRL 72-s schedule in rats and the forced swimming test in mice. Pharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior, 72(1–2):39-43. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0091-3057(01)00730-4