Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Polygoni Multiflori Caulis |
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| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 首烏藤 · Shou Wu Teng |
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| Medicinal Part | Stems and woods |
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| Efficacy Category | Mind-calming |
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| Botanical Origin | The dried vine stem of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Polygonaceae); the same crude drug as Ye Jiao Teng. |
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| Nature & Flavour | Sweet; Neutral |
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| Channels Entered | Heart, Liver |
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What Is Shou Wu Teng?
Shou Wu Teng (Fleeceflower Stem) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Hubei, Guangxi and Guangdong.
Nature & Flavour: Sweet; Neutral
Channels Entered: Heart, Liver
Shou Wu Teng: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Polygoni Multiflori Caulis
Botanical Origin
The dried vine stem of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Polygonaceae); the same crude drug as Ye Jiao Teng.
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Henan, Hubei, Guangxi and Guangdong.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material has distinct nodes, a purplish-brown surface, and is free of old coarse wood.
Macroscopic Features
Cylindrical segments, 3~7mm diameter; externally purplish-brown with longitudinal wrinkles and lenticels; nodes slightly enlarged; fracture pale yellow with a small pith.
Traditional TCM Properties
Sweet; NeutralHeartLiver
Traditional Functions
Nourishes blood, calms the spirit, dispels wind, and unblocks the channels. Apply to insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, and aching numbness of the limbs.
How Shou Wu Teng Is Used in TCM
In the Chinese materia medica, Shou Wu Teng is classified among the Mind-calming herbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shou Wu Teng? Are fleeceflower root and Ye Jiao Teng the same?
Official Shou Wu Teng (首乌藤) is the dried stem of Polygonum multiflorum. The pharmacopoeial name is Polygoni Multiflori Caulis, also called Ye Jiao Teng. He Shou Wu is the root: bitter-sweet-astringent and slightly warm, resolves toxin and dissipates abscesses, checks malaria and moistens the intestines (raw), or tonifies the Liver and Kidney and benefits essence and Blood (prepared). Stem and root cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Shou Wu Teng. Use caution in excess-fire mania.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Shou Wu Teng?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Shou Wu Teng is sweet and neutral, enters the Heart and Liver channels, and acts to nourish Blood and calm the spirit, dispel wind and free the channels. It is used for insomnia with many dreams, Blood vacuity with body pain, wind-damp bi pain, and skin itching. Sweet and neutral, it suits Blood-vacuity insomnia—not excess-fire mania, or damp-heat.
How do you choose raw versus prepared stem? Can fleeceflower root replace it?
Raw stem is stronger for calming the spirit and freeing the channels. Fleeceflower root leans to tonifying the Liver and Kidney or resolving toxin; it cannot replace calming the spirit by equal weight. Commercial polygonum-stem tea is not equal-weight pieces.
Learn More About Shou Wu Teng
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Shou Wu Teng.
Read the Shou Wu Teng Guide →
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
