Hu Zhang

English: Bushy knotweed rhizomes

Chinese: 虎杖

Parts used: Rhizome

TCM category: Herbs that invigorate the Blood

TCM nature: Cold

TCM taste(s): Bitter

Organ affinity: Gallbladder Liver Lung

Scientific name: Polygonum cuspidatum

Other names: Polygoni Cuspidatum,Japanese knotweed rhizome, Giant knotweed rhizome

Use of Hu Zhang (bushy knotweed rhizomes) in TCM

Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.

Preparation: Dig up the rhizome in the spring and autumn seasons, remove the hair roots, clean, cut into short sections or thick slices while fresh, and then dry in the sun.

Dosage: 8-30g

Main actions according to TCM*: Clear Damp-Heat by promoting urination so as to treat jaundice. Clear Toxic-Heat so as to treat skin issues such as carbuncles. Remove Blood Stagnation of the Channels and reduce swellings and pain. Clear Phlegm and ease coughing.

Primary conditions or symptoms for which Hu Zhang may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Amenorrhea Stasis by traumatic injury Jaundice Turbid vaginal discharge Painful urination Carbuncles Fire burns Boiling water burn Coughing Rheumatic arthralgia

Key TCM concepts behind Hu Zhang's properties

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Hu Zhang belongs to the 'Herbs that invigorate the Blood' category. Like the name indicates these herbs tend to stimulate the Blood flow. In TCM they're used to help the circulation of Blood in cardiovascular conditions or menstrual irregularities as well as to treat acute pains caused by Blood Stagnation. They can also be used to treat Blood Stagnation when it causes certain tumors, cysts and hardened clots.

Furthermore Hu Zhang is Cold in nature. This means that Hu Zhang typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Hu Zhang can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

Hu Zhang also tastes Bitter. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Hu Zhang tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Hu Zhang is thought to target the Gallbladder, the Liver and the Lung. Similar to modern medicine, in TCM the Gallbladder stores and releases bile produced by the Liver. It also controls the emotion of decisiveness. The Liver on the other hand is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.