Giant knotweed rhizome (HU ZHANG)
Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (Fam. Polygonaceae)
Pharmaceutical Name:
Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati
Botanical Name:
Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. et Zucc. (Fam. Polygonaceae)
Common Name:
Giant knotweed rhizome
Part Used:
Rhizome and root
Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati is grown throughout China. It is collected in spring and autumn, the rootlets are removed, and the rhizome is sliced and dried in sunlight.
Properties Taste & Meridians:
Bitter in flavor, cold in property, acts on the Liver, Gallbladder, and Lung channels.
Functions:
Promotes Blood circulation to relieve pain, clears Heat and removes Dampness, removes toxins, relieves cough, and resolves Phlegm.
Indications & Combinations:
1. For amenorrhea, arthralgia due to Wind Dampness and traumatic injuries, it is used with Radix Rubiae (Qian Cao) and Herba Leonuri (Yi Mu Cao).
2. For jaundice due to Damp Heat and profuse leukorrhea due to Dampness, it is used with Herba Artemisiae Scopariae (Yin Chen) and Semen Coicis Lachryma-jobi (Yi Yi Ren).
3. For cough due to Lung Heat, it is used alone or with Radix Scutellariae (Huang Qin) and Folium Eriobotryae (Pi Pa Ye).
4. For scalds and burns, carbuncles, and sores.
Dosage and administration:
10–30 g, decocted in water for internal use. Proper amount for external use.
Precautions:
