Polygonum multiflorum, also known as He Shou Wu, refers to the dried rhizome of the Polygonum plant. Its functions, effects, and uses can vary depending on whether it is used in its raw form or after being processed.
Raw He Shou Wu, also known as Shou Wu, He Shou Wu, or Gan Shou Wu, is the raw medicinal material that has been purified and dried. It has a sweet and bitter taste, neutral nature, and belongs to the heart, liver, and large intestine meridians. It has the effects of moistening the bowels, promoting bowel movements, detoxifying, and relieving itching. It is often used in combination with other herbs such as Angelica sinensis and Cannabis sativa to treat dry stools and constipation. It can also be used internally and externally to detoxify, dispel swelling, and disperse lumps. It is often used in combination with other herbs such as Lonicera japonica, Forsythia suspensa, Sophora flavescens, and Cortex Phellodendri to treat boils and carbuncles. It is also used in combination with Rehmannia glutinosa, Angelica sinensis, and Bombyx batryticatus to treat itchy skin caused by blood deficiency and liver hyperactivity.
Processed He Shou Wu, also known as steamed He Shou Wu or cooked He Shou Wu, is made by mixing raw He Shou Wu slices or blocks with black bean juice and yellow rice wine, steaming until the inside and outside turn brown, and then drying it for medicinal use. It has a sweet taste and a slightly warm nature, and belongs to the heart, liver, and kidney meridians. It has the effects of nourishing blood and tonifying essence. It is often used in combination with other herbs such as cooked Rehmannia glutinosa, longan flesh, and Angelica sinensis to treat insomnia caused by blood deficiency. It is also commonly used in combination with cooked Rehmannia glutinosa and wolfberry fruit to treat liver and kidney deficiency and declining eyesight. For muscle stiffness caused by blood deficiency, it is often used in combination with Salvia miltiorrhiza, Angelica sinensis, and Coix seed. When treating premature aging caused by liver and kidney essence deficiency, it is often used in combination with Dodder seed and Ligustrum lucidum fruit.
