Tonify Yang: Ba Ji Tian

Ba Ji Tian

Ba = desire ji = blade tian = heaven / sky / god

巴戟天 Ba Ji Tian

Kidney

Slightly warm

Acrid and sweet

6-15 grams

Also known as Indian Mulberry, I think Ba Ji Tian looks like segmented coyote poo, but I tasted it, and it is pretty tasty and sweet. Similar to Yin Yang Huo, Ba Ji Tian also treats impotence and infertility, as well as wind-cold-damp and strengthens the sinews and bones. Since it is moistening, it is not overly drying. As it is gentle and mild, it is often used with other herbs to tonify the yang without injuring the yin (such as rou cong rong, which is definitely moistening and goes to the Large Intestine).

Specific Indications:

A. Tonifies Kidneys / Fortifies Yang:

1. impotence / infertility (Though this herb has been in use since the Shennong Ben Cao Jing, we now know that it works due to studies using rats...poor rats...)
   
2. premature ejaculation
3. urinary frequency / incontinence
4. irregular menstruation
5. cold/painful lower abdomen
6. weak, sore back

B. Disperses Wind-Damp / Strengthens Sinews and Bones

1. Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Syndrome w/ Kidney deficiency
2. Tight muscles in lower backs and legs
3. Joint pain / difficulty moving

Contraindicated with Damp-Heat, or yin deficient heat. Also contraindicated with urinary difficulties. It may antagonize Dang Shen.

Above, very strong sinews and bones, and he looks pretty fertile due to Ba Ji Tian.