Tiger Cane (Hu Zhang)
Tiger Cane (Hu Zhang) (Irregular cylindrical shape, brownish-brown wrinkles, obvious nodes with fibrous roots)
Tiger Cane (Hu Zhang) slices (Hard texture, fibrous, radiating texture)
【Name】
【Source】
Mingyi Bielu (Records of Famous Physicians)
【Common Usage Level】
D
【Botanical Origin】
The rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum Sieb. Et Zucc., family Polygonaceae.
【Characteristics】
The roots vary in shape, mostly conical and curved, or lumpy. The main roots are wrinkled with transverse cracks, 1-7cm long, 0.6-1.5cm in diameter, with a brownish-brown surface, obvious longitudinal wrinkles, purple patches, and scattered fibrous root scars. The nodes are obvious, usually with curly fibrous roots. The texture is hard and not easy to break. The fracture surface is brownish-red, fibrous, and the xylem occupies most of the root, with a chrysanthemum-like radial texture. The rhizome is cylindrical, with obvious nodes, usually with curly fibrous roots. The fractured surface has a gap in the center, and the top of the rhizome has residual stem bases. It has a weak odor and a slightly bitter taste.
The cross-section has a radial pattern, and the bark and xylem are easily separated. The pith of the rhizome is hollow.
According to “Illustrated Compendium of Materia Medica”, the Huang Yao Zi recorded in “Kai Bao Materia Medica” should be this product.
【Identification】
The best quality is roots that are thick and strong, and whose core is not withered.
【Category】
Root Category