Introduction of Shou Wu Teng:Fleece-flower Stem or Caulis Polygoni Multiflori.

TCM Herbalism:Medicinals and Classifications. ✵The article gives records of the herb Fleece-flower Stem, its English name, Latin name, property and flavor, its botanical source one plant species, ①.Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., with a detailed introduction to the botanical features of this plant species, the growth characteristics, and ecological environment of this plant species, the features of the herb Fleece-flower Stem, its pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guide.

Caulis Polygoni Multiflori(Fleece-flower Stem).

dried herb segments of Fleece-flower Stem Pin Yin Name: Shǒu Wū Ténɡ.
 English Name: Fleece-flower Stem.
 Latin Name: Caulis Polygoni Multiflori.
 Property and flavor: neutral in nature, sweet, slightly bitter.

 Brief introduction: The herb Caulis Polygoni Multiflori is the dried lianoid stem of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., used (1).as a heart-nourishing tranquilizer for treating insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep, (2).to activate blood circulation in collaterals for the treatment of aching limbs. The herb is commonly known as Caulis Polygoni Multiflori, fleece-flower stem, Shǒu Wū Ténɡ.

 Botanical source: Herbal classic book defined the herb Caulis Polygoni Multiflori (Fleece-flower Stem) as the dry stem and vine of the species (1). Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. It is a plant of the Fallopia Genus, Polygonaceae family (smartweed or buckwheat family) of the Polygonales order. This commonly used species is introduced:

(1).Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.


 growing plant of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb with a dark brown rhizome Botanical description: The plant, Polygonum multiflorum Thunb is a plant of the Polygonaceae family (smartweed or buckwheat family) and Fallopia genus, also known as Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) Haraldson, is commonly known as Fo-Ti, Fleeceflower Root, Maltiflower Knotweed, Tuber Fleeceflower, Climbing Knotweed, Chinese knotweed, Flowery Knotweed, He-Shou-Wu, or Shǒu Wū, Hé Shǒu Wū, Jiāo Téng, etc. The plant is a perennial twisted liana (twisted vine). Roots are thin and long, and the root end turns to a hypertrophic root tuber, the appearance is russet (brunneus or reddish-brown) to darkish brown. The stem base is slightly ligneous, and hollow. Leaves are alternate; have long petioles; ocrea (leaf sheath of stipule) is membranous, brown; leaf blades are narrowly ovate or cordate, 4~8 cm long, 2.5~5 cm wide, the apex is acuminate, the base is cordate or arrow-shaped, entire or slightly undulate, the upper surface is dark green (bottle-green), the under surface is aqua (pale green), smooth and glabrous on both surfaces.

 a colorful drawing of Fleece-flower Stem,rhizome and flowers of plant parts Panicles. Petals are pedunculate, small pedicel has nodes, base has membranous bracts; flowers are small, perianth is green-white, 5-lobed, differ in size, outside 3 perianths have wings; 8 stamens, unequal length, shorter than perianth; 1 pistil, stigmas is 3-lobed, capitate.

 growing stems and green leaves,vines of Fleece-flower Stem Achenes are elliptic, 3-ridged, black, shiny, and wrapped by persistent perianth outside, perianth has conspicuous 3 wings. Its flowering period is from August to October, the fruiting period is from September to November.

 growing plants of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. Ecological Environment: The plant, Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., grows in valley thickets, grass slopes, roadsides, clefts in the rocks, and in areas at altitudes of 200~3,000 meters above sea level. This species is mainly distributed in northern, northwest, east, central, and southern areas, Taiwan, and other areas of China.

 Growth characteristics: Polygonum multiflorum prefers warm and moist climates and should avoid dryness and waterlogging, it is appropriate to choose fields with deep soil layers, loose and fertile, good drainage, and humus-rich sandy loam for cultivation. Clay soil is not suitable for planting.

 brownish crude herb stems of Fleece-flower Stem Characters of herbs: The herb stems are long cylindrical, slightly twisted, and branched, different in lengths, and 3~7 mm in diameter. The surface is red-brown or tan (chocolate brown), coarse and rough, with conspicuous twisted longitudinal wrinkles, and fine and small round lenticels. Its nodes are slightly enlarged and have branch marks. The cortex is thin and could be peeled. The texture of the herb is crisp and easily broken, the cortex of the fracture surface is red-brown, the xylem (wood part) is primrose yellow (pale yellow), catheter holes are obvious, and the central pith is white and loose. The segment is cylindrical. The herb is odorless, it tastes slightly bitter and puckery. The herb of a better grade has thick and stout branches, uniform, and the cortex is red-brown.

 dried brownish herb segments of Fleece-flower Stem Pharmacological actions: ①.sedative effect; ②.hypnotic action.

 Medicinal efficacy: Nourish blood, calm the nerves (relieve uneasiness of mind and body tranquilization), nourishing heart, dispel wind, and free collaterals. It is indicated for insomnia and dreaminess (lose sleep, many dreams), blood deficiency and body pain, rheumatic arthralgia pain, numbness of the skin and muscle, itching of the skin, internal lesion caused by overexertion, hidrosis (hyperhidrosis), ulcer and sores, scrofula (lymphoid tuberculosis), itching of urticaria (itching of measles), urticaria papulosa, scabies, etc.

 Administration of Caulis Polygoni Multiflori (Shǒu Wū Ténɡ): 
 
Reference: Administration Guide of Caulis Polygoni Multiflori (Shǒu Wū Ténɡ)
TCM Books: ①.Internally: 9~15 grams. Externally:proper amount, wash with water decoction; ②.Internally:water decoction, 2~4 qian (about 6~12 grams). Externally:wash with water decoction, or mashed and apply stick; ③.Internally:water decoction, 10~20 grams. Externally:wash with water decoction, or mashed and apply stick.

 

 
  

 

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References:
  • 1.Introduction of Shou Wu Teng:Fleece-flower Stem or Caulis Polygoni Multiflori.

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