Curculigo, Xian Mao 仙茅
Xian Mao (TCM), Talpatri, Krishna Musali, Sveta Musali ('Black Musali') (Ayurveda); Musali Siyah (Unani); Nilappanan Kizhangu (Siddha)
Kerner, Hortus sempervirens, 1806
Botanical name:
Curculigo orchioides
Parts used:
Rhizome
Temperature & Taste:
Hot, dry. Pungent, Toxic
Classifications:
3J. INCREASE SEMEN
N. Tonics
Curculigo orchioides
Parts used:
Rhizome
Temperature & Taste:
Hot, dry. Pungent, Toxic
Classifications:
3J. INCREASE SEMEN
N. Tonics
Uses:
1. Strengthens the Kidneys, Tonifies the Yang:
-Impotence, Incontinence, nocturnal emission; used for sexual debility in both Ayurveda and TCM.
-irregular menstruation from Cold
-Infertility in men and women from Cold Kidneys / Yang deficiency
-water retention from Cold and weak Kidneys
-auxilliary medicine in Diabetes (Ayurveda)
-Debility; Senility; restorative tonic in Ayurveda
2. Clears Cold and Damp, Eases Pain:
-cold painful obstruction with pain, weakness of the joints
-Weakness and pain of the lower back and legs
3. Clears Cold Phlegm, Stops Wheezing:
-In Ayurveda for Cold-type Asthma and Breathlessness
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DOSE:
In Decoction: 3–9 grams (up to a maximum of 12 grams daily);
Powder: 2–6 grams. Taken with milk in Ayurveda to correct its heat.
PREPARATION:
1. In TCM, the roots are often mixed with Rice wine, allowed to soak up the alcohol, then stir-fried or baked until dry. This moderates the harsh nature while increasing the ability to tonify Yang.
CORRECTIVE:
Asparagus adscendens root both corrects and enhances Curculigo Xian Mao. The former supports Yin and hinders the excess heat of the latter. It supplies a good Yin base for the Yang tonic activity of Curculigo Xian Mao.
In Decoction: 3–9 grams (up to a maximum of 12 grams daily);
Powder: 2–6 grams. Taken with milk in Ayurveda to correct its heat.
PREPARATION:
1. In TCM, the roots are often mixed with Rice wine, allowed to soak up the alcohol, then stir-fried or baked until dry. This moderates the harsh nature while increasing the ability to tonify Yang.
CORRECTIVE:
Asparagus adscendens root both corrects and enhances Curculigo Xian Mao. The former supports Yin and hinders the excess heat of the latter. It supplies a good Yin base for the Yang tonic activity of Curculigo Xian Mao.
Main Combinations:
Curculigo Xian Mao is often combined with Asparagus adscendens root (White Musali) in India. These are known as Black and White Musali, Asparagus nourishing Yin, and Curculigo stimulating Yang. Sometimes Chlorophytum arundinaceum is listed as Black Musali.
1. Impotence, Spermatorrhea, Lower Back pain and weakness, Curculigo Xian Mao with Eucommia Du Zhong.
2. Impotence:
i. Curculigo Xian Mao with Epimedium Yin Yang Huo.
ii. Curculigo Xian Mao with Asparagus racemosa, Withania, Mucuna
3. Female Debility:
i. Curculigo Xian Mao with Tribulus, Mucuna, Tinospora
ii. Curculigo Xian Mao with Dang Gui, Asparagus root
4. Cold-damp pain, cold pain in the lower back and legs, Curculigo Xian Mao with Asarum Xi Xin and Acanthopanax Wu Jia Pi.
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Cautions:
1. Not used for Heat from Yin deficiency
2. Avoid long-term use; avoid overdose.
3. Maximum daily dose in decoction is 12 grams
Main Preparations used:
1. Not used for Heat from Yin deficiency
2. Avoid long-term use; avoid overdose.
3. Maximum daily dose in decoction is 12 grams
Main Preparations used: