Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata
Aliases：Processed Polygoni Multiflori Root
Zhi Heshouwu (Prepared Polygonum multiflorum Root) is a processed form of Chinese medicinal herb. It is derived from the tuberous root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (family Polygonaceae) through cleaning, slicing, and steaming alone or stewing with black bean juice. It is mainly produced in Henan, Hubei, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Guizhou provinces.
Efficacy & Actions
Zhiheshouwu (processed Polygonum multiflorum root) is bitter, sweet, and astringent in taste, slightly warm in nature, and enters the Liver, Heart, and Kidney meridians. It has the actions of tonifying the Liver and Kidney, supplementing Essence and Blood, blackening the beard and hair, strengthening the sinews and bones, and eliminating turbidity to lower blood lipids.
Indications
hiheshouwu (processed Polygonum multiflorum root) is mainly used for the treatment of sallow complexion due to Blood deficiency, dizziness and tinnitus, premature graying of beard and hair, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, numbness of the limbs, flooding and spotting (metrorrhagia) and leukorrhea, hyperlipidemia, among others.
Modern Pharmacology
Modern pharmacological studies have found that this product has the effects of promoting hematopoiesis, antioxidation, enhancing immunity, antibacterial activity, lowering blood lipids, and anti-atherosclerosis, among others.
Ingredients
This product contains anthraquinones, stilbene glycosides (such as 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside), lecithin, fats, starch, minerals, and other components.
Usage & Dosage
Decoction: 6–12 g; or used in pills or powders; or prepared as an extract (ointment); or steeped in wine.
Contraindications
1. Caution for externally contracted diseases: This herb is sweet and astringent in taste. It should not be used alone in large doses in cases of exogenous febrile diseases or when the exogenous pathogen has not been fully resolved. 2. Risk of liver injury: Processed Heshouwu carries a potential risk of liver injury. Therefore, it should not be used for a prolonged period or in large doses. 3. Incompatibility with alkaline drugs: It should not be used concurrently with alkaline drugs, as this may affect the therapeutic effect. 4. Incompatibility with adrenocortical hormones: It should not be used together with adrenocortical hormones (corticosteroids), as this may aggravate the side effects of the hormones. 5. Incompatibility with adrenergic drugs: It should not be used concurrently with adrenergic drugs such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, isoproterenol, and aldosterone, as this may increase cardiotoxicity. 6. Decoction precaution: Iron utensils should be avoided when decocting processed Heshouwu. 7. Dietary incompatibilities: During the course of medication, avoid consuming scallion (green onion), garlic, radish (daikon), pig blood, scaleless fish, as well as strongly alkaline foods such as grapes, tea, wine, young seaweed (wakame), and kelp.
Selected Formulas
1. For liver‑kidney deficiency with essence‑blood depletion Zhi Heshouwu is often combined with Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus), Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen), and Buguzhi (Psoraleae Fructus) to tonify the liver and kidney, and to benefit essence and blood. It is indicated for qi‑blood deficiency, infertility due to kidney deficiency, wasting thirst disorder (Xiaoke), spermatorrhea, metrorrhagia, and leukorrhea. 2. For kidney deficiency with hyperactive liver yang Zhi Heshouwu is often combined with Nvzhenzi (Ligustri Lucidi Fructus), Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), and Shayuanzi (Astragali Complanati Semen) to supplement the liver and kidney, and to calm hyperactive yang. It is suitable for dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, dream‑disturbed insomnia, and soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees caused by kidney deficiency leading to liver yang hyperactivity.
Daily Consumption
1. Stewed Liver with Prepared Heshouwu Ingredients: 15g prepared Heshouwu, 250g pork liver. Preparation: Decoct Heshouwu to get liquid; slice liver, stew in liquid until cooked. Action: Tonify liver & kidney, nourish essence & blood. 2. Huangqi, Chenpi & Heshouwu Congee Ingredients: 15g Huangqi, 10g Chenpi, 30g prepared Heshouwu, 50g rice, a little brown sugar. Preparation: Decoct Huangqi & Heshouwu for liquid; cook rice into congee with the liquid; add brown sugar & Chenpi powder. Action: Supplement both qi and blood. Note: Avoid long-term/large-dose use of prepared Heshouwu; limit pork liver if hyperlipidemic.
Medicinal Parts
dried tuberous root (processed product)
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry, airtight container in a cool, dry place, protected from mold and insects.