Debao Polygonum multiflorum

Debao Polygonum multiflorum

　　Polygonum multiflorum, also known as He Shou Wu, has a legendary origin for its name. It is said that during the Sui and Tang dynasties, Debao suffered from consecutive natural disasters and famines. An old man surnamed He was imprisoned and went without food for many days. Nearly starving to death, he resorted to quenching his thirst with leaves from the climbing vine on the prison wall and eating the roots of the vines to survive. Later, he dug up some tuberous roots that strikingly resembled human figures to eat. Day after day, not only did the old man survive, but he also grew increasingly healthy, and his white hair miraculously turned black again, making him look younger. The jailer was astonished, and the story quickly spread. The old man was released from prison because of his discovery of the new medicinal plant. Since the tuberous roots could turn white hair black again, they were named “He Shou Wu” (何首乌), meaning “Mr. He’s Black Hair.” According to *Compendium of Materia Medica* (*Bencao Gangmu*), raw Polygonum multiflorum can promote body fluids and cool the blood. When steamed and dried before consumption, it nourishes the liver and kidneys, enriches essence and blood, blackens the hair, beautifies the complexion, and prolongs life. It is mainly used to treat blood deficiency dizziness, seminal emission and soreness in the waist, as well as symptoms such as insomnia, restlessness, and frequent dreaming. Debao Polygonum multiflorum is generally considered to be of the highest quality when its cross-section displays chrysanthemum-like patterns and a golden yellow color.

　　To fully explore and utilize the resources of Polygonum multiflorum, in recent years, Debao County has vigorously developed deep processing of the herb, employing standardized GAP (Good Agricultural Practice) cultivation techniques during production. In addition to processing it into Polygonum multiflorum slices for acquisition by pharmaceutical companies, a series of Polygonum multiflorum products have been developed. The main products include refined Polygonum multiflorum, Polygonum multiflorum wine, Polygonum multiflorum juice, Polygonum multiflorum beverages, Polygonum multiflorum soft candy, and Polygonum multiflorum shampoo, among others. Major deep processing enterprises include Debao Bawei Winery Co., Ltd., Debao Cordyceps and Morinda Wine, and Debao Ligao Food Factory. These products are popular in domestic and international markets, including Hong Kong and Macau, and are well received by consumers.