Cow Knee (Achyranthes bidentata)

Cow Knee (Achyranthes bidentata) is a member of the Amaranthaceae family, native to China, Eastern Asia, and East China. Traditionally, its roots, stems, and leaves have been used for decoctions, powders, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and tonic actions, and has a long history of use in traditional chinese medicine, japanese kampo medicine, and korean traditional medicine.

Cow Knee (Achyranthes bidentata) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Cow Knee (Achyranthes bidentata) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Cow Knee
Scientific Name	Achyranthes bidentata
Plant Family	Amaranthaceae
Genus	Achyranthes
Species	bidentata
Native Range	China, Eastern Asia, East China
Plant Parts Used	Roots, Stems, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic
Primary Traditional Systems	Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine, Korean Traditional Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Powder, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Achyranthes bidentata
Common Name: Cow Knee
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Chinese Knotweed, Achyranthes Bidentata, 牛膝
Plant Family: Amaranthaceae
Genus: Achyranthes

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 30 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Lanceolate leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface pale green, bearing distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Flowers are small, yellow, actinomorphic, with two lobes on the lower lip and three lobes on the upper lip, arranged in a raceme.
Stems: Stems are erect, branched, with opposite leaves and smooth surface.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Korean Traditional Medicine
Tibetan Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Powder
Poultice
Infusion

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: Commonly referenced as a mild diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a cooling anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a soothing tonic, in whole-system applications.
Stimulant: Traditionally described as a calming stimulant, in wakefulness-related contexts.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Glycoside: Secondary metabolites formed through glycosylation processes in plants.
Saponin: Secondary plant compounds composed of sugar-linked aglycones.
Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Available information does not clearly establish contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Tincture: A preparation involving soaking plant parts in alcohol for extended extraction.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.