He Shou Wu - Polygonum, Fleeceflower Root
TCM Materia Medica
He Shou Wu TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "he shou wu" which in english is 
"polygonum, fleeceflower root", is categorized within the "herbs that tonify blood" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the kidney and liver channels and exhibits bitter (ku), sweet (gan) and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 9-30g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Tonifies liver and kidney, nourishes blood, augments essence - yin and/or blood deficiency w/dizziness, blurred vision, prematurely grey hair, weakness in the lower back and knees, sore limbs, insomnia, nocturnal emission, spermatorrhea, vaginal discharge; neither cold, drying, nor too cloying.
- Relieves toxic fire - carbuncles, sores, scrofula, neck lumps.
- Moistens intestines - constipation associated with blood deficiency.
- Expels wind from skin by nourishing the blood.
- Chronic malaria w/qi and blood deficiency.
He Shou Wu may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: constipation, dizziness (vertigo), insomnia, malaria, spermatorrhea and/or vision problems
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, he shou wu is generally included in the following 8 formulas:
ViewDan Gui Yin Zi (Tangkuei Decoction)
Exterior wind skin conditions with underlying blood deficiency - eczema (particularly dry and flaky), hives (urticaria), neurodermatitis, psoriasis, dry skin, itchy skin that is generally worse at…
ViewGeng Nian An Wan (Peaceful Menopause)
Menopause symtpoms including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, restlessness and anxiety as a result of yin deficiency. Can be used for other yin deficient symtpoms such as tinnitus, dry skin…
ViewJiang Dan Gu Chun Wan (Contribute To Youthfulness Pills)
For high cholesterol, generally focuses on strengthening metabolism, transforming dampness, tonifying spleen qi, and mildly moving blood stasis in Chinese Medicine terms.
ViewQi Xue Da Bu Wan (Nourish Qi & Blood Pills)
Fatigue, lethargy, sensation of feeling heavy or cold. Low appetite, bloating, borborygmus, loose bowels. Impotence, infertility, low libedo. Insomnia, night sweats, vivid dreams, nightmares.
ViewRen Shen Shou Wu Wan (Ginseng Fo-Ti Pills)
Hair loss, dry hair, greying hair as a result of dimished jing/essence. Low sperm count, low libedo, and infertility.
ViewShen Jing Shuai Ruo Wan (Stress Reducing Pill)
For common variants of the modern western lifestyle - in Chinese Medicine terms, calms the spirit, balance liver and kidney yin, for a range of psycho-emotional and physical issues from chronic stres…
ViewShou Wu Wan (Polygonum Multiflorum Pills)
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ViewTong Bian Wan (Constipation Pills)
Constipation from heat or fire that has damaged the yin fluids - dry hard pellet like stools, dark urine from dryness, feeling of fullness in the lower abdomen, flatulence (generally with a foul smel…
As noted above, he shou wu is within the herbs that tonify blood functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... symptoms of blood deficiency - pallid face and lips, dizziness, vertigo, diminished vision, lethargy, palpitations, dry skin, menstrual irregularities, pale tongue, fine pulse. heart and liver are the most affected. biomedicine - not alwa…)".
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