Ye Jiao Teng (Cylindrical, curved, purplish-yellowish-brown, twisted longitudinal wrinkles, enlarged nodes with lateral branches)

Ye Jiao Teng

Ye Jiao Teng slices (Skin reddish-brown, xylem yellowish-brown, pith loose with special ducts)

Ye Jiao Teng slices

【Name】

Ye Jiao Teng

 【Source】

Ben Jing Feng Yuan

 【Common Usage Level】

E

 【Botanical Origin】

The vine or leafy vine stem of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (He Shou Wu) in the Polygonaceae family.

 【Characteristics】

The dried vine stem is slender and cylindrical, usually twisted, sometimes branched, and 3-7mm in diameter. The surface is purplish-brown, rough, with twisted longitudinal wrinkles and nodes, and scattered small red spots. The cork is thin and peels off in scales. It is hard and brittle, easily broken. The fracture surface shows a reddish-brown bark, pale yellow xylem, radial bundles in the xylem, and a white, loose pith in the center. It has no odor and a slightly bitter and astringent taste.

 【Identification】

The best quality are those that are thick, uniform, and have a purplish-brown exterior.

 【Category】

Vines and Woods