Acanthopanacis senticosi Radix et Caulis (ci wu jia) is an example of an herb whose qualities and functions have been revealed less from accumulation of clinical experience than by modern research in the second half of the twentieth century. Originally used as a variant of Acanthopanacis Cortex (wu jia pi), this herb is increasingly being used for symptons of deficiency such as general weakness and malaise, loss of apetite, headache, insomnia, and impotence. Acanthopanacis senticosi Radix et Caulis (ci wu jia) is acrid, slightly biter and warm. It enters the Spleen, Heart, and Kidney channels to tonify the Spleen and Kidney qi while calming the spirit and augmenting the Heart. At the same time, by virtue of its acrid and warm properties, it is also used to invigorate the blood and unblock the collaterals, especially those obstructed by cold or blood stasis. (from Chinese Herbal Medicine Materia Medica, 3rd ed)*