Morinda Root (Ba Ji Tian)
Morinda officinalis
巴戟天
Pinyin: Bā Jǐ Tiān
Plant Family
Rubiaceae
Part Used
Root
Origin
Guangdong, Guangxi, Fujian provinces of China
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Morinda officinalis is a climbing vine with small white flowers and fleshy, tuberous roots. It is one of the four major kidney yang tonics in Chinese medicine (along with cistanche, epimedium, and eucommia). The roots are typically steamed with licorice or salt water to enhance their medicinal properties. Morinda is known for being a relatively gentle yang tonic suitable for long-term use.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
slightly warm
Flavors (五味)
sweet, acrid / pungent
Meridians (归经)
kidney, liver
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Tonifies kidney yang and strengthens bones
- Dispels wind-damp (for bi syndrome)
- Impotence and premature ejaculation
- Infertility and low libido
- Lower back pain and knee pain (deficiency with cold)
- Menstrual irregularities and infertility (women)
- Rheumatic pain with weakness
- Frequent urination
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Used in decoctions, pills, powders, and medicinal wines. The root is often processed (steamed with licorice or salt water) to enhance its effects and reduce side effects. Often combined with other kidney and blood tonics.
Suggested Dosage
Decoction: 6-15g daily (simmered 30 min). Powder/Capsules: 3-9g daily. Wine: steeped in rice wine for 2-4 weeks, 10-20ml daily.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Autumn and winter, from plants 5-7 years old. Roots are dug, cleaned, steamed, and dried in the sun. Processing typically involves steaming with licorice decoction or salt water.
Quality Indicators
Thick, fleshy roots that are purplish-red or dark brown on the outside with purple interior. The best quality comes from Guangdong ("Guang Ba Ji"). Processed morinda should be dark in color and have a sweet, slightly bitter taste. Roots should be plump and not woody.
Storage
Store dried root in airtight container in cool, dry place. Can be stored for 2-3 years. Protect from moisture and insects.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Kidney yin deficiency with heat signsExcess fire or damp-heat conditionsDifficult urinationHeart palpitations from yin deficiencyPregnancy (consult practitioner)Bitter, cold appetite (may cause nausea in large doses)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally well-tolerated at recommended doses
- Mild digestive upset (nausea, bloating) - rare
- Dry mouth and throat (in sensitive individuals)
- Allergic reaction (very rare)
- May cause restlessness in those with yin deficiency heat
Drug Interactions
- Blood pressure medications (may lower BP)
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar)
- Anticoagulants (mild effect)
- Generally moderate interaction potential
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
Related Herbs
Eucommia Bark
Eucommia ulmoides
Eucommia is a deciduous tree native to central China, and the only member of its family. The bark is distinguished by the white, rubbery filaments that stretch between broken pieces. It is a primary kidney and bone tonic in Chinese medicine. Eucommia is also known as the "hardy rubber tree" because its sap contains natural rubber.
Dodder Seed
Cuscuta chinensis / australis
Dodder is a parasitic vine that wraps around other plants and absorbs nutrients from them. The small seeds are an important kidney and essence tonic in Chinese medicine. Despite being a parasite that harms its host plant, dodder seed has a nourishing, tonifying effect on the human body. It is classified as a superior herb in the Shennong Bencao Jing.
Cistanche (Rou Cong Rong)
Cistanche deserticola
Cistanche is a parasitic plant that grows on the roots of desert shrubs (saxaul trees) in the arid deserts of northwest China. The thick, fleshy stems are dug in spring before they emerge from the ground. Known as "desert ginseng," it is a primary yang tonic in Chinese medicine, valued for its ability to tonify kidney yang without being too warming or drying.
Epimedium (Horny Goat Weed)
Epimedium brevicornum / sagittatum
Epimedium is a perennial ground cover plant with heart-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers. It is one of the most famous and controversial Chinese herbs, known in the West as "horny goat weed." The Chinese name Yin Yang Huo literally means "licentious goat weed," named for the observation that goats grazing on the plant showed increased sexual activity. Icariin is the primary active compound.