Ye Jiao Teng - Fo-ti stem - Polygonum multiflorum

Ye Jiao Teng, also known as Polygonum multiflorum caulis or Fleeceflower Vine, is a sweet and neutral herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to nourish the Heart, calm the Shen (spirit), and invigorate the channels. It is particularly effective for treating insomnia, restlessness, and dream-disturbed sleep caused by Heart Blood Deficiency. In addition to its calming effects, it also helps to relieve body pain and numbness due to blood deficiency and poor circulation.

Functions & Benefits

Nourishes the Heart Blood & Calms the Spirit
Ye Jiao Teng is one of the most commonly used herbs in TCM for insomnia, anxiety, and emotional unrest related to Heart Blood Deficiency. It gently nourishes the Heart while calming the Shen, promoting restful sleep and emotional stability.

Unblocks the Channels & Relieves Pain
This herb helps alleviate numbness, weakness, or discomfort in the limbs caused by blood stagnation or deficiency. It promotes circulation and is often used for pain or stiffness that worsens at night or with fatigue.

Soothes Restlessness & Supports Mental Balance
Ye Jiao Teng is used in cases of irritability, mood swings, and dream-disturbed sleep. It harmonizes the connection between the Heart and Liver, especially in stress-related or deficiency-related sleep issues.

Supports Recovery & Rejuvenation
With its mild tonifying effects and calming nature, it is also used for general recovery after illness or during periods of overwork and nervous exhaustion.

Indications

Insomnia, difficulty falling asleep, or dream-disturbed sleep due to Heart Blood Deficiency.
Irritability, anxiety, or emotional imbalance from deficiency or overstrain.
Numbness, weakness, or discomfort in the limbs due to blood deficiency or poor circulation.
Pain in the muscles or joints that worsens with fatigue or lack of blood flow.
Restlessness and fatigue in people recovering from illness or emotional stress.

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM

Tongue: Pale with a thin white coating, indicating Blood Deficiency.
Pulse: Thin and weak, especially in the Heart position, often reflecting insufficiency of Blood.

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Ye Jiao Teng

Ye Jiao Teng is used to treat Heart Blood Deficiency, Liver-Blood Deficiency, and internal disharmony between Heart and Shen. These patterns are typically marked by insomnia, anxiety, numbness, or restlessness, particularly in emotionally or physically fatigued individuals.

Precautions & Contraindications

Not suitable in cases of insomnia due to excess heat, phlegm, or strong agitation without deficiency.
Use with caution in individuals with loose stools or Spleen Qi Deficiency if taken in large amounts.
Not recommended in cases of excess dampness or cold accumulation.

Conclusion

Ye Jiao Teng is a gentle, nourishing herb that calms the spirit, promotes restful sleep, and improves blood circulation. It is ideal for treating insomnia and emotional disturbances due to Heart Blood Deficiency, as well as numbness and pain in the limbs caused by poor blood flow. Its balanced nature makes it suitable for long-term use in both acute and chronic deficiency conditions.