He Shou Wu in Zhangjiajie

He Shou Wu in Zhangjiajie

　　He Shou Wu, also known as Shou Wu, Di Jing, Chi Lian, or Xiao Du Gen, is the tuberous root of the perennial twining herb Fallopia multiflora of the Polygonaceae family. It is mainly produced in Henan, Shandong, Hubei, Sichuan, Jiangsu, Guangxi, and other regions, mostly growing wild, though some is cultivated. The dried root is spindle-shaped or lump-like, with a reddish-brown or purplish-brown exterior, featuring irregular vertical furrows. It is hard in texture, slightly powdery, with a light red or light yellowish-brown cross-section. Around the edges are several nearly circular anomalous vascular bundles that form a "cloud brocade" pattern.

He Shou Wu has a bitter and astringent taste, with a slightly warm nature. Processed He Shou Wu also has a sweet flavor. It enters the liver and kidney meridians. Its effects are primarily focused on the kidneys, nourishing true yin, enriching essence, and replenishing marrow. It is used to treat symptoms caused by liver-kidney deficiency and insufficient essence and blood, such as dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, forgetfulness, premature greying of hair, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, nocturnal emission, spermatorrhea, as well as vaginal discharge after childbirth in women. Additionally, it can be used to treat persistent malaria and conditions of qi and blood deficiency. Raw He Shou Wu can also be used medicinally, offering detoxifying and laxative effects.