Polygoni Multiflori Caulis
Aliases：Yejiaoteng、Qiteng
Shouwuteng (Polygoni Multiflori Caulis), a Chinese medicinal, is the dried vine stem of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., a plant of the Polygonaceae family (genus Polygonum).
Efficacy & Actions
Nourish the heart and calm the mind, dispel wind and unblock the meridians.
Indications
Insomnia and dream‑disturbed sleep, body pain due to blood deficiency, rheumatic arthralgia, and skin pruritus.
Modern Pharmacology
Sedative and hypnotic, anti‑inflammatory and analgesic, hypolipidemic, and antioxidant.
Ingredients
Anthraquinones: Emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, etc. Flavonoids: Quercetin, kaempferol, etc. Stilbene glycosides: 2,3,5,4′-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside. Others: β-Sitosterol, tannins, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 9–15 g in decoction. External use: Appropriate amount, decocted in water for washing the affected area.
Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of mania due to excess fire. Use with caution during pregnancy.
Selected Formulas
1. For insomnia, vertigo, and restlessness due to Yin deficiency and Blood deficiency: Often combined with Albiziae Cortex (Huanpishang? correct: Albiziae Cortex – Hehuanpi), Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Suanzaoren), Platycladi Semen (Baiziren), and other heart‑nourishing and spirit‑calming herbs. If Yin deficiency with Yang hyperactivity, combine with Margaritifera Concha (Zhenzhumu), Draconis Os (Longgu), Ostreae Concha (Muli), and other Yang‑subduing and spirit‑calming herbs. 2. For body pain due to Blood deficiency and rheumatic arthralgia: Body pain due to Blood deficiency: Combine with Spatholobi Caulis (Jixueteng), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong). Rheumatic arthralgia: Combine with Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo), Angelicae Pubescentis Radix (Duhuo), Taxilli Herba (Sangjisheng), Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix (Qinjiao), etc. 3. For skin pruritus (urticaria, scabies and tinea): Often combined with Cicadae Periostracum (Chantui), Lemnae Herba (Fuping), Kochiae Fructus (Difuzi), and Cnidii Fructus (Shechuangzi), decocted for external washing to dispel wind and stop itching.
Daily Consumption
Decoction (oral): 9–15 g, decoct in water for 20–30 min. For insomnia, dream‑disturbed sleep. Tea: 5–10 g, steep in boiling water for 10–15 min. Drink as tea. Congee: 10 g with 50 g rice. Use the decoction liquid to cook congee. Calms the mind. External use (foot soak / wash): 30–60 g, decoct and use the warm liquid to soak feet or wash affected areas. For pruritus, rheumatic pain. Caution: Contraindicated in cases of manic‑depressive psychosis with excess fire. Use with caution during pregnancy. Avoid long‑term excessive use.
Medicinal Parts
dried vine stem / stem
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects.