This product is the root tuber of the perennial twining herb Fleeceflower (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.) from the Polygonaceae family. It is produced in most regions of mainland China, such as Henan, Hubei, Guangxi, Guangdong, Guizhou, Sichuan, Jiangsu, and other areas. It is harvested in autumn and winter when the leaves wither. After removing both ends, washing, cutting into thick slices, and drying, it is called raw Shouwu. Then, it is mixed with black soybean juice, steamed until both the inside and outside turn brown, and dried, which is known as processed Shouwu.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Polygonum multiflorum sweet and astrigent, slightly warm; act on liver and kidney meridians. Radix Polygonum multiflorum sweet and bitter, neutral; act on heart, liver and large intestine meridians.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Prepared Polygonum multiflorum tonifies and replenishes blood and essence, strengthens the kidneys, and darkens hair; raw Polygonum multiflorum prevents malaria attacks, removes toxins, and moistens the intestines to relieve constipation.

bubble_chart Indications

1. Used for blood deficiency presenting with dizziness, blurred vision, palpitations, insomnia, pale yellow complexion, lack of strength, liver and kidney essence and blood deficiency causing vertigo, tinnitus, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, seminal emission, uterine bleeding, premature graying of hair, etc. Prepared Polygonum Multiflorum can tonify blood and nourish the liver, benefit essence and consolidate the kidneys, blacken hair, and strengthen bones and tendons. It treats blood deficiency with a pale yellow complexion, insomnia, forgetfulness, etc., and has the effect of tonifying blood and calming the mind. It is often combined with Prepared Rehmannia Root, Chinese Angelica, Sour Jujube, etc.; for liver and kidney essence and blood deficiency, it can tonify blood and nourish yin, consolidate essential qi, and is often used with Chinese Angelica, Barbary Wolfberry Fruit, Dodder Seed, etc., such as Seven-Jewel Beard-Blackening Pill. Modern use for hyperlipidemia, hypertension, coronary heart disease with liver and kidney essence and blood deficiency symptoms, using Prepared Polygonum Multiflorum with Salvia, Chinese Taxillus Herb, etc., or directly using Shou Wu Yan Shou Dan, all have considerable effects.
2. Used for consumptive malaria in weak constitution, intestinal dryness and constipation, and Yongju, scrofula, etc. Raw Polygonum Multiflorum has the effect of preventing malaria attacks, moistening the intestines, and removing toxins. For consumptive malaria with qi and blood depletion, it is often combined with Ginseng, Chinese Angelica, etc., such as Fleeceflower and Ginseng Decoction; for intestinal dryness and constipation with blood deficiency and fluid depletion, it is combined with Chinese Angelica, Hemp Seed, etc.; for Yongju sores and ulcers, it is combined with Lonicera, Forsythia, etc., such as the "Complete Book of Sores and Wounds" Fleeceflower Decoction; for scrofula and subcutaneous nodes, it is combined with Prunella, Paniculate Bolbostemma, Cyperus, etc. (cited from Bencao Huiyan).
3. In addition, for blood dryness producing wind, cutaneous pruritus, sores, and rashes, Raw Polygonum Multiflorum is combined with Schizonepeta, Saposhnikovia Root, Sophora, etc. for internal use, or boiled with Mugwort for external washing, all of which are effective.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Kaibao Bencao: "Mainly treats scrofula, dissipates abscesses and scrofula, heals head and face wind sores, treats five types of hemorrhoids, stops heart pain, benefits blood and qi, blackens beard and hair, beautifies complexion, long-term use strengthens tendons and bones, benefits essence and marrow, prolongs life without aging; also treats postpartum women and leukorrhea diseases."
2. Bencao Gangmu: "This substance has a warm nature and bitter, astringent taste. The bitterness tonifies the kidneys, warming and tonifying the liver, the astringency can astringe essential qi, so it can nourish blood and benefit the liver, consolidate essence and tonify the kidneys, strengthen tendons and bones, blacken beard and hair, and is a good tonic medicine. It is neither cold nor dry, and its efficacy surpasses that of Rehmannia and Asparagus Root."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take 10-30g. Use processed Polygonum multiflorum for tonifying and replenishing blood and essence, and use raw Polygonum multiflorum for preventing malaria attacks, moistening the intestines, and removing toxins.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

This product contains anthraquinone derivatives, mainly Rhubarb Rhizoma phenols, Rhubarb Rhizoma (Emodin), followed by Rhubarb Rhizoma acid, Rhubarb Rhizoma methyl ether, and Rhubarb Rhizoma phenol anthrone. In addition, it also contains lecithin, etc.

1. Polygonum multiflorum has an inhibitory effect on the increase of serum cholesterol in experimental rabbits, can reduce the formation of membrane patches and lipid deposition in stirred pulse, thereby alleviating the formation of stirred pulse atherosclerosis;
2. it has an excitatory effect on the isolated frog heart, and can slow the heart rate and increase coronary flow;
3. it can enhance immune function, mainly by enhancing the phagocytic function of the reticuloendothelial system and cellular immunity;
4. it also has the effect of strengthening nerves and improving brain function and intelligence;
5. it causes an initial increase followed by a decrease in blood sugar in animals;
6. it promotes the generation of red blood cells;
7. it promotes intestinal peristalsis and has a laxative effect, etc.

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