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:
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 ir…)".
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