Polygoni Multiflori Radix (Hé Shǒu Wū), a revered herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is categorized into raw (Shēng Shǒu Wū) and processed (Zhì Shǒu Wū) forms, each with distinct therapeutic properties:

Raw He Shou Wu:

Primary Components: Anthraquinones (ēn kūn lèi).

Actions: Detoxifies, resolves abscesses (jiědú xiāo yōng), moistens intestines, relieves constipation (rùn cháng tōng biàn).

Indications: Scrofula/abscesses (luǒlì chuāng yōng), itchy rashes (fēngzhěn sàoyǎng), constipation due to intestinal dryness (cháng zào biànmì).

Processed He Shou Wu:

Enhanced Components: Polysaccharides, phospholipids.

Actions: Tonifies liver-kidney (bǔ gān shèn), nourishes essence-blood (yì jīng xuè), darkens hair (wū xū fà).

Indications: Premature graying, dizziness, tinnitus, sore lower back/weak knees due to liver-kidney deficiency (gān shèn bùzú).

Clinical Applications

Tonifies Liver and Kidneys

For hair loss, premature graying, insomnia, or forgetfulness from liver-kidney yin deficiency (gān shèn yīn xū).

Classic Pairing: Goji berries (Gǒuqǐzǐ), Angelica Sinensis (Dāngguī).

Relieves Constipation (Raw Form Only)

Effective for constipation due to blood deficiency or age-related intestinal dryness.

Caution: Overdose may cause diarrhea.

Regulates Metabolism

Modern Research: Stilbene glycosides (èr běn yǐ xī gān) help regulate blood lipids and combat atherosclerosis.

Beneficial for: Hyperlipidemia patients.

Critical Precautions

Toxicity Risk:

Raw form’s anthraquinones may cause hepatotoxicity with long-term/high-dose use.

Strictly follow prescribed dosages.

Contraindications:

Pregnant/nursing women, children, individuals with liver dysfunction (due to insufficient safety data).

Avoid spicy/greasy foods during use.

Herb Selection:

Never interchange raw and processed forms—select based on symptoms under TCM guidance.

Chronic Conditions:

Consult a TCM practitioner for personalized treatment of hair loss, hyperlipidemia, etc.

Professional Reminder

He Shou Wu’s efficacy hinges on accurate pattern differentiation (biànzhèng lùnzhì). Self-prescription risks adverse effects—always seek licensed TCM guidance.

Safety and synergy define true healing.