Morinda root
Gynochthodes officinalis · 巴戟天
Herbs & Roots. Chinese Medicine.
Also called Ba ji tian, Morinda officinalis, Chinese morinda
Pinyin: Bā Jǐ Tiān
Few human trialsA root used in Chinese medicine to warm the kidneys and strengthen the lower back, and as a traditional sexual tonic.
Did you know? Chinese pharmacies sell morinda root both plain and salt-processed. The salt form is traditionally believed to guide the herb to the kidneys.
What it may help, and how strong the proof is
- Sexual health. Traditional use to support sexual function in men. Lab and animal studies only.Traditional proof
- Low mood. Animal studies show mood-related effects. No good human trials.Traditional proof
- Bones. Traditional use for weak lower back and knees. Few human studies, mostly of formulas.Traditional proof
Parts of the body
Traditional use
Traditional Chinese Medicine uses ba ji tian to tonify Kidney yang, strengthen the lower back and knees, and ease wind-dampness joint pain. It is a key herb in Er Xian Tang, a classic formula for menopause-type symptoms.
How it is classified
- Herbal actions
- Tonic, Aphrodisiac, Analgesic. Energy: warming.
- Chinese medicine
- 巴戟天 Tonify yang. Nature: warm. Flavour: sweet, pungent. Enters the Kidney and Liver channels.
How people take it
Traditional decoctions often use 6 to 15 g of dried root. Salt-processed root is common. Supplement doses vary, and no human dose studies exist for the root alone.
Decoction, powder, capsule and tea.
Where to get it
Grows in southern China and other parts of southern Asia. Sold as dried root (plain or salt-processed), slices, powder and capsules.
Be careful
Usually mild. People with heat signs, such as dry mouth or a hot body, may feel worse. Long-term safety has not been well studied.
Avoid if: pregnancy; breastfeeding.
Mixing with other things
- Works well together
Yin yang huo and ba ji tian are the core pair of Er Xian Tang, a classic formula for menopause-type symptoms.
- Works well together
Rou cong rong and ba ji tian are both used for kidney yang and lower back strength in tradition.
- Works well together
Ba ji tian and dong quai are both in Er Xian Tang.
The honest take
Morinda root is a traditional kidney and back tonic. Its claims about libido and mood come mostly from lab and animal work. Human research is thin, and the root is usually sold as part of formula blends.