Dietary Therapy Effects and Functions
Polygonum cuspidatum refers to the rhizomes and roots of the Polygonum cuspidatum plant. This perennial shrubby herb grows in mountain ravines, riverbanks, stream sides, and shaded, moist areas under forests. It is distributed in East China, South-Central China, Southwest China, as well as Hebei, Shaanxi, Gansu, and other regions.
Suitable for: Avoid during pregnancy.
Dietary Effects of Polygonum cuspidatum:
Polygonum cuspidatum tastes bitter and sour, with a neutral nature. It enters the Liver and Gallbladder meridians;
It enters the blood to disperse stagnation; it has the effects of promoting blood circulation and dispersing blood stasis, dispelling wind and draining dampness, detoxifying and reducing swelling;
Indications: Menstrual disorders due to blood stasis, dysmenorrhea, postpartum lochia retention, masses, traumatic injuries, rheumatic arthralgia, jaundice, diarrhea, dysuria with turbid discharge, sores and swellings, venomous snake bites, burns and scalds.
Guidance on Preparing Polygonum cuspidatum:
1. For women with blood stasis causing amenorrhea or dysmenorrhea, decoct and take alone; or combine with Angelica sinensis (Danggui) and Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuanxiong).
2. For rheumatic arthralgia and joint stiffness, combine with Aconitum carmichaeli (Wutou), Notopterygium incisum (Qianghuo), and Saposhnikovia divaricata (Fangfeng).
3.For initial stages of abscesses and swellings before ulceration, apply fresh crushed plant directly or combine with Forsythia, Dandelion, and Viola yedoensis to enhance heat-clearing and toxin-resolving effects.
【Selected Formulas】
① For toxic swelling and excruciating pain in hands and feet: Grind Polygonum cuspidatum root, boil, and use the lukewarm decoction to soak affected limbs.
(From Supplement to Essential Formulas for Emergencies)(Supplement to Essential Prescriptions for Emergencies)
② For phlegm-fire affecting tendons and bones causing numbness, trembling, and weakness in hands and feet: One ounce of Polygonum cuspidatum root, five money of Cyathula officinalis, five money of Solanum nigrum peel, five money of Saposhnikovia divaricata, five money of Cinnamomum cassia twig, three money of Momordica charantia. Steep in three pounds of rice wine and consume.(Dian Nan Ben Cao)
③ For gallbladder stones: One ounce of Polygonum cuspidatum, decocted for oral use; if accompanied by jaundice, combine with Lysimachia christinae and decoct. (Shanghai Commonly Used Chinese Medicinal Herbs)
④ For five types of dysuria: Any amount of Polygonum cuspidatum, ground into powder. Take two grams per dose with rice water, without regard to time.(Yao Sengtan's Collection of Effective Formulas)
⑤ For amenorrhea, abdominal masses, distended abdomen like a jar, and severe shortness of breath: 100 catties of Polygonum cuspidatum root (remove tops and soil, sun-dry, slice), 2 dou each of Luffa cylindrica root juice and Achyranthes root juice.Finely chop the three ingredients. Soak the Polygonum cuspidatum root in one hu of water overnight. The next day, decoct to obtain two dou. Add the Luffa cylindrica and Achyranthes root juices, stir until well blended, and simmer until syrupy. Take one heg with wine, twice daily and once at night.Stagnant blood will be expelled. Cease administration once symptoms resolve. (Thousand Gold Prescriptions)
⑥ For women with irregular menstruation, abdominal and flank discomfort, and back pain: 3 liang (approx. 10g) Polygonum cuspidatum, 1 liang (approx. 3g) Campsis grandiflora, 1 liang (approx. 3g) Myrrh. Pound ingredients into a fine powder. Take 1 qian (approx. 3g) mixed with hot wine, regardless of time.(Shenghui Fang)
⑦ For postpartum blood stasis pain and fainting from falls: Grind Polygonum cuspidatum root into powder and take with wine.(Compendium of Materia Medica)
⑧ For abdominal masses, bloating with rumbling sounds, heavy limbs, and irregular menstruation; also treats male ailments: Finely chop 2 hu of Polygonum cuspidatum root from high ground. Simmer with 2 shi 5 dou of water until reduced to 1 dou 50 fen. Strain, clarify, and mix with 5 sheng of good, pure wine. Simmer until syrupy.Take one measure per dose, adjusting as needed. If ineffective, increase dosage. (Polygonum cuspidatum Decoction, Thousand Gold Prescriptions)
⑨ For intestinal bleeding and hemorrhoids: Wash Polygonum cuspidatum root to remove rough skin, chop and dry, pound and sift. Form into honey pills the size of red beans. Take with aged rice drink.(Illustrated Compendium of Materia Medica)
⑩ For red-white dysentery: 3 qian (approx. 10g) sour soup cane, 3 qian (approx. 10g) Polygonum multiflorum, 3 qian (approx. 10g) red camellia flower, 2 qian (approx. 6g) celadon and white earth. Decoct in water, mix with brown sugar, and consume. (Folk Medicinal Herbs of Guiyang)