The source is from the root tuber of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., family Polygonaceae. The medicinal material is produced in all parts of China, dug and collected in both winter and autumn, and then cleaned, cut into slices and dried in the sun. That prepared by drying is known as crude sample, and that prepared by steaming again and again with the juice of black soya beans into dark brown as prepared sample.

Medicinal Properties: The prepared sample is sweet and astringent in flavor, warm in nature and attributive to the liver and kidney meridians while the crude sample is sweet and bitter in flavor, mild in nature and attributive to the heart and liver meridians.

Actions: The prepared sample benefits the essence and blood, invigorate the kidney to make hair black; the crude sample prevents recurrence of malaria, eliminates toxic materials and moistens the intestine to relax the bowels.

Application
1. It is indicated for insufficiency of the essence and blood manifested as dizziness, insomnia, premature whitening of hair, soreness of waist and flaccid feet, seminal emission, etc. For sallow complexion and insomnia, it can be used together with Shudihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata ),  Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis ) and Suanzaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae ); for insufficiency of the liver and kidney essence, usually combined with Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis ), Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii ), and Tusizi (Semen Cuscutae), etc., such as Qibao Meiran Dan (Bolus). Recently, it is combined with Danshen (Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae), Sangjisheng (Ramulus Taxilli), etc., to treat hyperlipemia, hypertension and coronary heart disease.
2. For deficiency of both qi and blood and constant upset of malaria, the crude sample is combined with Renshen ( Radix Ginseng ), Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis ) , and Jupi (Pericarpium Citri Tangerinae ), etc., such as Heren Yin(Decoction).
3. For carbuncle, it is combined with Jinyinhua (Flos Lonicerae ) , Lianqiao ( Fructus Forsythiae ) , and Pugongying (Herba Taxaxaci), etc.; for scrofula, combined with Xiakucao (Spica Pruneltae ),  Zhebeimu ( Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii ) , and Xuanshen ( Radix Scrophutariae), etc. In treating itching of skin, skin disease and rash, the crude sample can be used together with Aiye (Folium Artemisiae Argyi), which are decocted for washing.
4. For dryness of the intestine and constipation due to blood deficiency, the crude sample is also used together with Danggui ( Radix Angelicae Sinensis ), Huomaren ( Fructus Cannabis), etc..

Usage and Dosage:
6 -12 g is used in decoction for oral use. For enriching the essence and blood, the pre-pared sample should be used; for preventing recurrence of malaria, eliminating toxic materials and moistening the intestine, the crude sample should be used.

Notes:
It is not suitable for diarrhea or for cases with severer dampness-phlegm.