Polygoni Multiflori Radix
Aliases：Shouwu、Dijing、Chilian、Chen Zhibai、Hong Neixiao、Ma Ganshi、Chuang Zhou、Shan Nu、Shan Ge、Shan Bo、Shan Weng、Shan Jing、Yejiaoteng Gen、Huanghua Wugen、Xue Wawa、Xiao Dugen、Tian Zhutou、Tie Cheng Tuo、Chi Shouwu、Shan Shouwu、Yao Shouwu、He Xianggong
Heshouwu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix) is a Chinese medicinal herb that enriches blood. It is the tuberous root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (family Polygonaceae). There are two main processed forms: raw Heshouwu and prepared (cured) Heshouwu.
Efficacy & Actions
1. Raw Heshouwu (Sheng Heshouwu) Actions: Resolve toxin, eliminate carbuncles, stop malaria, and moisten the Intestines to unblock the bowels. 2. Processed Heshouwu (Zhi Heshouwu) Actions: Tonify the Liver and Kidney, supplement Essence and Blood, blacken the beard and hair, strengthen the sinews and bones, and eliminate turbidity to lower blood lipids.
Indications
Raw Heshouwu is used for: Sores and carbuncles Scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis) Urticaria with pruritus (wind‑rash itching) Chronic malaria with debility Constipation due to intestinal dryness Processed Heshouwu is used for: 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 (high blood lipids)
Modern Pharmacology
This product has the effects of promoting hematopoiesis, enhancing memory, lowering blood lipids, anti-atherosclerosis, antioxidation, enhancing immunity, and antitumor, among others.
Ingredients
Stilbene glycosides: Main active components, e.g., 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (THSG). Hepatoprotective, lipid‑lowering. Anthraquinones: Emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, etc. Dual effects of efficacy and toxicity (laxative, potential hepatotoxicity). Flavonoids: Hyperoside, kaempferol, quercetin, etc. Phospholipids: Lecithin, etc. Beneficial to the nervous system. Tannins: Gallic acid, etc. Associated with hepatotoxicity. Others: Phenylpropanoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, dianthrone glycosides, etc. (over 133 compounds isolated). Hepatotoxicity may be mediated synergistically by anthraquinones, stilbene glycosides, and tannins. Must be used under medical advice; avoid long‑term self‑administration.
Usage & Dosage
Decoction: 6–12 g of processed Heshouwu (Zhi Heshouwu), or 3–6 g of raw Heshouwu (Sheng Heshouwu).
Contraindications
Risk of liver injury: Heshouwu may cause liver damage. It should not be used long‑term or in large doses. Interaction with alkaline drugs: The anthraquinone glycosides in this herb are prone to oxidation and degradation in alkaline solutions. Therefore, it should not be used together with alkaline medications. Interaction with adrenocortical hormones: Concomitant use with adrenocortical hormones may exacerbate their side effects, such as hypertension and edema. Interaction with adrenergic drugs: Heshouwu should not be used together with epinephrine, norepinephrine, isoprenaline (isoproterenol), or aldosterone. Concurrent use with isoprenaline may produce an adrenocortical hormone‑like effect, increasing myocardial sensitivity to such agents and thereby enhancing cardiac toxicity. Dietary restrictions: During treatment, avoid consuming scallions (spring onions), garlic, radish (daikon), pig blood, scaleless fish, as well as strongly alkaline foods such as grapes, tea leaves, wine, wakame (young seaweed), and kelp (seaweed).
Selected Formulas
1. For sallow complexion due to blood deficiency, insomnia, and forgetfulness Often combined with Shudihuang (prepared Rehmannia), Danggui (Angelica), and Suanzaoren (Ziziphus spine seed) – herbs that enrich blood and calm the mind. 2. For deficiency of essence and blood presenting as sore lower back, weak legs, dizziness, blurred vision, premature graying of hair and beard, and infertility due to kidney deficiency Often combined with Danggui, Gouqizi (goji berry), and Tusizi (Cuscuta seed) – as in Qibao Meiran Dan (Seven‑Treasures Beautiful Beard Pill) from Jishantang Fang (Formulary of the Jishan Hall). 3. For liver‑kidney deficiency with soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, and deafness Often combined with Sangshenzi (mulberry fruit), Heizhima (black sesame), and Duzhong (Eucommia) – as in Shouwu Yanshou Dan (Heshouwu Longevity Pill) from Shibuzhai Yishu (Medical Books of the Shibu Studio). 4. For chronic malaria with qi‑blood deficiency Combined with Renshen (Ginseng), Danggui, Chenpi (tangerine peel), and Wei Jiang (roasted ginger) – as in Herenshi He Ren Yin (Combination Drink) from Jingyue Quanshu (Jingyue’s Complete Works). 5. For scrofula, carbuncles, sores, and skin itching Often combined with Xiakucao (Prunella), Tubaemu (Bolbostemma), and Danggui (as recorded in Bencao Huiyan – Collected Commentaries on the Materia Medica). 6. For generalized sores, swelling, itching, and pain Combined with Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia), Kushen (Sophora), and Bohe (mint) to prepare a decoction for external washing – as in Heshouwu San (Heshouwu Powder) from Waike Jingyao (Essentials of External Medicine). 7. For constipation due to intestinal dryness in the elderly or weak with blood deficiency Combined with Roucongrong (Cistanche), Danggui, and Huomaren (hemp seed) to moisten the intestines and relieve constipation.
Daily Consumption
1. Decoction as Tea Preparation: 6–12 g of processed Heshouwu, add 500 ml of water, boil for 15–20 minutes. Actions: Tonifies the Liver and Kidney, nourishes Blood and blackens hair. Indications: Premature graying of hair, Liver and Kidney deficiency. Note: Do not drink in large amounts. Stop once symptoms improve. 2. Soup / Stewed Meat Preparation: 10 g of processed Heshouwu, stew with chicken or pork ribs, red dates, and goji berries. Take 1–2 times per week. Actions: Nourishes the Liver and Kidney, supplements Essence and nourishes Blood. Note: Only use processed Heshouwu; raw Heshouwu is prohibited. 3. Congee Preparation: Decoct 10 g of processed Heshouwu for 30 minutes to obtain the liquid. Cook with japonica rice and red dates until thick, then add brown sugar. Actions: Tonifies Qi and Blood, benefits the Liver and Kidney, blackens hair. Note: Diabetic patients should omit sugar. 4. Boiled Eggs Preparation: 20 g of processed Heshouwu, 2 eggs. Boil together until eggs are cooked, then remove shells and boil for a short while longer. Eat the eggs and drink the soup. Actions: Nourishes Blood and benefits the Liver. Note: Use with caution in individuals with high cholesterol. 5. Wine Infusion Preparation: 50 g of processed Heshouwu, 50 g of goji berries, 10 g of Angelica sinensis (Danggui). Steep in 1000 ml of white liquor (baijiu) in a sealed container for 1 month. Usage: 10–15 ml once a day. Note: Contraindicated in alcohol‑allergic individuals and pregnant women.
Medicinal Parts
Tuberous root
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry, airtight container in a well-ventilated, dry place.