hu zhang

虎杖·Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati

Bushy Knotweed Rhizome

About hu zhang

Hu Zhang (虎杖) is the rhizome of giant knotweed, recorded as Rhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati. It is bitter in flavour and cold in temperature, entering the Liver, Gallbladder and Lung channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that invigorate the Blood.

Names

Pinyinhu zhang
Chinese虎杖
Latin NameRhizoma Polygoni Cuspidati
English NameBushy Knotweed Rhizome·giant knotweed rhizome
Japanesekojyo·kojyo, itadori
Koreanhojang

Classification

Category
Invigorate the Blood
Channels
Lung, Gallbladder, Liver
Flavour
Bitter
Temperature
Cold
Family
Polygonaceae
Species
Polygonum cuspidatum
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Invigorates Blood, dispels stasis, unblocks the channels and relieves pain

  • Amenorrhea or painful periods from Blood stasis
  • Abdominal pain after childbirth
  • Pain from traumatic injury
  • Wind-Damp Bi with joint pain

Clears Heat and resolves Damp

  • Jaundice from Damp-Heat
  • Cloudy vaginal discharge from Damp-Heat
  • Turbid, painful urination (Lin syndrome)

Clears toxins and reduces swelling

  • Toxic sores, carbuncles, burns and scalds, used internally or on the skin

Drains Heat, transforms Phlegm and stops cough

  • Cough from Heat or Phlegm in the Lungs, including chronic cough
  • Constipation from knotted Heat

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 8-30g; Tincture: 2-4ml8-30 g—2-4 ml——

Cautions

Interactions

Drug interactions