Latin Name: Radix Polygoni Multiflori
Common Name: Fleeceflower root
Scientific Name: Polygonum multiforum Thunb.
Chinese Name: 何首烏
Pinyin Name: he shou wu
Origin
Fleeceflower root is the root tuber of Polygonum multiforum Thunb., a perennial herbal plant of the Polygonaceae family. The root is used either in dried form or processed by steaming with black soybean juice. Its vine stem and leaf have medicinal actions too.[1],[2]
Where Does It Grow?
Fleeceflower root is widely disturbed in China. It is now mainly cultivated and produced in provinces like Henan, Hubei, Guizhou, Sichuan, Jiangsu, and Guangxi. Others like Zhejiang, Anhui, Guangzhou, Shandong, Jiangxi and Hunan are also produced. [5],[6]
Traditional Use in TCM
Fleeceflower root are commonly used to treat dizziness, lumber and knee weakness, general soreness, seminal emission, excess menses, premature graying, chronic malaria, chronic diarrhea, abscess, skin sores, itchiness, constipation, piles and high blood lipid.[2],[3]
- Processed fleeceflower root is a commonly used tonic
Blood deficiency leads to sallow complexion, insomnia and forgetfulness, processed fleeceflower root can work together with processed rehmannia root, angelica root and sour jujube seed to replenish blood and calm down spirit. Yin deficiency of liver and kidney that causes dizziness, blurred vision, seminal emission, lumber and knee weakness, premature aging and early grey hair, the herb can work with processed rehmannia root, angelica root, wolfberry, cornus fruit, dodder seed, glossy privet fruit, and yerbadetajo herb to nourish the liver and kidney systems. A representative formula of this is the Seven Treasures Hair Beauty Pill. Processed fleeceflower root is an important herb for mental enhancement, for conditions like sleep disorders, dream-disturbed sleep, poor memory, poor attention, dizziness and headache, it can be combined with sour jujube seed, Chinese arborvitae kernel, red sage root and schisandra and prepared as pills for regular consumption.Generally, the herb is a mild tonic that suitable for long-term consumption, even for those with a sensitive body. Modern TCM often uses the herb for conditions like hypertension, high blood lipid and coronary heart disease that present with the above symptoms (yin deficiency of liver and kidney). In the remedies, processed fleeceflower root is likely to be combined with red sage root, mulberry mistletoes, hawthorn fruit, glossy privet fruit, and reishi mushroom. A representative formula is the Fleeceflower Root Anti-aging Pill.
- Fleeceflower root (unprocessed) lubricates intestines and promotes bowel movements
Constipation in the elderly, chronic diseases, and postnatal are usually due to blood and body fluid depletions, dried fleeceflower root is therefore suitable for them, as well as for those with piles that have anal bleeding and difficulty in passing stools. Fleeceflower root used alone is usually well enough to have the result, but will be better if combining with rehmannia root, angelica root, black sesame, and hemp seed.
- Fleeceflower root (unprocessed) relieves toxicity and dissipates nodulation
TCM physicians may use the herb to treat scrofula (lymph node infections in the neck and is associated with tuberculosis), other herbs like selfheal fruit spike, paniculate bolbostemma rhizome, and oyster shell are often added in the remedies. In cases of abscesses and skin sores, the herb may be used with dandelion, weeping forsythia capsule and figwort root.
- Fleeceflower root nourishes the body and cuts malaria attack
Malaria individuals that last for a long time usually result in a depleted state, it is indicated to use the herb along with ginseng (or pilose asiabell root) and angelica root. Otherwise, fleeceflower root (in high dose 30g) may be added in the Minor Bupleurum Decoction and then modified according to individual symptoms for the same therapeutic purpose.
- Fleeceflower root treats hives and itchy skin
Skin itchiness is usually associated with internal wind that generated by an over-dried blood condition, and dried fleeceflower root is often indicated. The herb may be combined with angelica root, ledebouriella root, dictamnus root bark, sopora root and schizonepeta herb for the treatment. For external usage, the herb can be decocted with Chinese mugwort leaf for washing.
Natural Run Weight 