Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Caulis Polygoni Multiflori |
|---|
| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 夜交藤 · Ye Jiao Teng |
|---|
| Medicinal Part | Stems and woods |
|---|
| Efficacy Category | Mind-calming |
|---|
| Botanical Origin | The dried vine stem of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Polygonaceae). |
|---|
| Nature & Flavour | Sweet; Neutral |
|---|
| Channels Entered | Heart, Liver |
|---|
What Is Ye Jiao Teng?
Ye Jiao 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
Ye Jiao Teng: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Caulis Polygoni Multiflori
Botanical Origin
The dried vine stem of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (Polygonaceae).
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, blood-deficiency wind, and aching numbness of the limbs.
Classical Formulas Containing Ye Jiao Teng
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ye Jiao Teng? Are Shou Wu Teng, He Shou Wu and Ji Xue Teng the same?
The official name is Shou Wu Teng, the dried vine stem of Polygonum multiflorum (the same plant as fleeceflower root), commonly called Ye Jiao Teng. The pharmacopoeial name is Polygoni Multiflori Caulis. He Shou Wu is the tuberous root of the same plant: tonifies Liver-Kidney, benefits essence-Blood and darkens hair; raw root also moistens the intestines and resolves toxin. Hepatotoxicity risk is mainly with the root—do not swap stem and root by equal weight. Ji Xue Teng is the stem of Spatholobus: invigorates and tonifies Blood and soothes sinews—not Ye Jiao Teng. Write Ye Jiao Teng or Shou Wu Teng.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Ye Jiao 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, and dispel wind and unblock the collaterals. It is used for insomnia with profuse dreaming, Blood-vacuity body pain and wind-damp impediment pain; externally for itching. Sweet-neutral, it enters Heart-Liver—suited to Heart-Liver Blood vacuity, vacuity vexation insomnia and Blood-vacuity collateral obstruction, not to excess-fire mania or exterior fever that would trap the pathogen. The stem and root share related chemistry; long high-dose courses need attention to liver function.
Does Ye Jiao Teng need special processing? How do wash and decoction differ?
Decoction usually uses washed, sectioned stem and benefits from longer boiling. Insomnia more often joins sour jujube seed and silktree bark; itching may be washed with a decoction, external amount as needed. An external wash does not replace patterned internal use and is not a stand-in for “He Shou Wu darkens hair.”
Learn More About Ye Jiao Teng
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Ye Jiao Teng.
Read the Ye Jiao 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.
