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He Shou Wu / Polygonum Root
He Shou Wu
Taste: Bitter, Sweet, Astringent • Temperature: Slightly Warm • Category: Tonic • Sub Category: Tonify Blood

Dosage

9-30g, should not be decocted in a steel container

Actions

1. Tonifies the Liver & Kidneys, nourishes the blood & augments the essence: for patterns of yin or blood deficiency with such signs as dizziness, blurred vision, prematurely gray hair, weakness in the lower back & knees, soreness in the extremities, & insomnia. This herb is commonly used as it both tonifies & preserves, & is neither cold, drying, nor too cloying.

2. Secures the essence & stops leakage: for nocturnal emission, spermatorrhea, or vaginal discharge.

3. Relieves fire toxicity: used raw for fire toxin, carbuncles, sores, scrofula, goiter, & neck lumps.

4. Moistens the Intestines & unblocks the bowels: for constipation, especially that associated with blood deficiency.

5. Expels wind from the skin by nourishing the blood: for wind rash due to blood deficiency.

6. Treats malarial disorder: for chronic malarial disorder with signs of qi & blood deficiency.

Meridians

Liver, Kidney

Cautions

Contraindicated in cases of Spleen deficiency, phlegm, or in cases of diarrhea. According to some traditional sources, this herb should not be taken with onion, chives, or garlic.