Xiān Máo (仙茅) — Curculigo rhizome
On this page
1. Overview
Xiān Máo (仙茅) — the rhizome of Curculigo orchioides (golden eye grass) — is a strongly warming Chinese herb that tonifies Kidney Yang, dispels Cold-Damp from the channels, and strengthens the sinews and bones. It is one of the two principal herbs of Er Xian Tang (Two Immortals Decoction) — the classical formula for perimenopausal symptoms with both Yin and Yang deficiency — alongside Yin Yang Huo (Epimedium). In modern clinical practice it is most commonly used for perimenopausal hot flushes with cold lower body and night sweats, Yang-deficient infertility, and cold-pattern back and knee pain.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Xiān Máo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 仙茅 |
| Latin name | Rhizoma Curculiginis / Curculigo orchioides |
| English name | Curculigo rhizome, golden eye grass |
| Nature | Hot — slightly toxic |
| Flavour | Pungent |
| Channels entered | Kidney, Liver |
| Category | Tonify Yang |
| Dosage | 3–10 g, decocted |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies Kidney Yang and Mingmen Fire — for Kidney Yang deficiency with impotence, cold extremities, lower back ache, frequent night urination, and infertility. Paired with Yin Yang Huo, Tu Si Zi and Lu Rong-type substitutes.
- Dispels Cold-Damp and strengthens sinews and bones — for cold-painful joints, weak lower back and knees, and chronic bi (rheumatic) syndromes with prominent Cold.
- Regulates perimenopausal Chong and Ren imbalance — the key application in modern practice. Used in Er Xian Tang for perimenopausal hot flushes accompanied by cold lower body, depressed mood, irregular cycles and weak bones — the simultaneous Yin and Yang deficiency typical of menopause.
4. Key formulas
- Er Xian Tang (Two Immortals Decoction) — the modern classical formula for perimenopausal symptoms with combined Yin and Yang deficiency. Xian Mao is the chief Yang-tonifying herb of the pair.
- Yang-tonifying fertility formulas pair Xian Mao with Yin Yang Huo, Tu Si Zi and Du Zhong.
- Cold-Damp bi formulas for chronic joint pain combine Xian Mao with Du Huo, Sang Ji Sheng and Niu Xi.
5. Cautions
Xian Mao is hot and slightly toxic. Contraindicated in Yin deficiency with heat signs (red tongue without coat, hot flushes without cold), in pregnancy, and in patients with high blood pressure. Long-term high-dose use is not recommended — cycle treatment with rest periods. Should be prescribed only by a qualified RCHM-registered Chinese herbalist.
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Xian Mao as part of pharmaceutical-grade granule formulas from Sun Ten in Taiwan, primarily as a component of Er Xian Tang for perimenopausal women and in Yang-tonifying fertility prescriptions. Online Chinese herbal consultations are available. See prices for costs.
