Library

Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu)

The flavor is sweet, bitter, and astringent; the nature is slightly warm. It is non-toxic. Currently produced in regions near the capital, it originally originated from Cheng County (a county name, belonging to Shanxi). It grows along fences, ditches, and walls, spreading wherever it goes. There are two types: female and male. The seedlings grow opposite each other into vines. They intertwine at night and separate during the day for independent planting. For medicinal use, the roots are harvested after autumn.

It resembles wild sweet melons, with five distinct ridges on the exterior. The female type is pale white, while the male type is light red. Using both female and male together ensures efficacy. When processing, use a bamboo knife and avoid iron tools that might damage the herb. Soak in rice washing water overnight, then sun-dry. Pound and grind using a wooden pestle; Poria cocos (Fu Ling) serves as an guiding herb. Avoid consuming pig or sheep blood juice; it conflicts with radishes and vegetables. It primarily treats scrofula (lymph node tuberculosis) and carbuncles, and cures wind-rash on the head and face. It strengthens bones and muscles, beautifies complexion, benefits qi and blood, and stops heart pain. Long-term consumption replenishes essence and promotes fertility. For women with leukorrhea, powder the herb and mix with wine. Originally named Ye Jiao Teng (Night-Intertwining Vine), it was later renamed He Shou Wu because an elder surnamed He in Nanhe County, Shunzhou, turned his white hair black after taking it. The flowers, processed through nine steaming and nine drying cycles, also help maintain youthful appearance with long-term use.

(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Li Yuan stated: This is an immortal herb. Plants aged fifty years are fist-sized; one year of consumption turns hair and beard black. Plants aged one hundred years are bowl-sized; one year of consumption enhances complexion. Plants aged one hundred and fifty years are basin-sized; one year of consumption causes teeth to regrow. Plants aged two hundred years are large basket-sized; one year of consumption makes the face appear like that of a child, enabling running speed comparable to galloping horses. Plants aged three hundred years are three baskets large, containing shapes resembling birds, beasts, mountains, and rocks, known as mountain spirits. Possessing a pure yang constitution, long-term consumption leads to becoming an earth immortal. Mr. Li’s words must be based on evidence; otherwise, how could they be fabricated to deceive people? Moreover, high-ranking officials today compete to harvest them, refine them using various methods, and form pills for daily ingestion. This is due to their exceptional efficacy, leading to woodblock printing for dissemination. Some name it Baxian Dan (Eight Immortals Pill), others Yanshou Dan (Longevity Pill), or Bazhen Zhibao Dan (Eight Treasures Supreme Treasure Pill), naming them according to their verified effects. This is to emphasize the extraordinary nature of the drug and to demonstrate that Mr. Li’s claims were not false.