Shou Wu Teng

Shou-wu-teng – The Herb Used in Traditional Systems to Support Normal Sleep Quality and Spirit CalmationShou-wu-teng, also known as "Fo-Ti Vine" or "He Shou Wu Vine," is the traditional Chinese name for the dried climbing stems/vines of Polygonum multiflorum, a cool, bitter herb from the knotweed family that has been part of traditional Chinese herbal systems for over 2000 years. This cool, very popular sleep herb is particularly known for its ability to promote normal sleep quality, calm normal spirit, support normal blood circulation, relieve normal heart palpitations and maintain normal emotional balance – making it an ideal choice for people with a tendency toward normal insomnia, normal nervousness and normal emotional restlessness.⚠️ CRITICAL DISTINCTION: SHOU WU TENG vs. HE SHOU WUThis is VERY important:SHOU-WU-TENG (何首乌藤) = STEM/VINE – cooling, sleep-promoting, SAFE for long-term useHE-SHOU-WU (何首烏) = ROOT – warm, moistening, energizing, hepatotoxicity risks with overdosingThis product is Shou-wu-teng (the vine/stem), NOT the root. This distinction is critical!Traditional Understanding in TCM SystemsWithin traditional Chinese medicine, Shou-wu-teng is described as a cool, bitter herb with very calming character. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Heart, Liver and Kidney systems. According to this traditional description, Shou-wu-teng primarily supports normal "Heart-Blood-Nourishing," helps "promote normal sleep," "calm normal spirit" and "relieve normal heart palpitations" – crucial TCM concepts for normal mental rest and normal sleep.Shou-wu-teng is seen in TCM as a classical "spirit-calming and sleep-promoting" herb – one of the most commonly prescribed herbs for normal insomnia. It is traditionally used to promote normal sleep quality, support normal mental rest, ease normal nervousness, regulate normal heart palpitations and promote normal blood circulation.Special Property: Very Calming via Spirit (Shen) – NOT SedativeShou-wu-teng distinguishes itself by working "spirit-calming" without heavy sedation. This means it promotes normal sleep WITHOUT morning sleepiness or fatigue – a very important distinction!Botanical Composition and ResearchShou-wu-teng (the vine) contains over 120 bioactive compounds, of which the main ones are:Stilbenes (trans-resveratrol, TSG - 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside)Anthraquinones (emodin, chrysophanol)Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)Polyphenols and tanninsPolysaccharidesEssential oilsIMPORTANT: The vine contains MUCH LESS anthraquinones than the root – this makes it much SAFER for long-term use!Modern scientific research shows that Shou-wu-teng components can offer diverse benefits:Normal sleep-promoting action: Studies show that certain components can promote normal sleep initiation and extend normal sleep duration without morning fatigue.Normal spirit-calming action: Flavonoids and stilbenes can help reduce normal mental restlessness via normal GABA and serotonin systems.Normal blood circulation support: Resveratrol and other stilbenes can support normal vessel function.Normal heart palpitations relief: Research suggests that certain components can help regulate normal heart rhythm.Antioxidant activity: Stilbenes, polyphenols and flavonoids possess very strong free-radical-fighting action.Normal immune support: Polysaccharides can support normal immune function.Neuroprotective potential: TSG (tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside) shows demonstrated neuroprotection in research.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, Shou-wu-teng is classically used in situations described as:Normal insomnia with normal nervousnessNormal heart palpitations or normal irregular heartbeatNormal mental restlessness or normal anxietyNormal nightmares or normal excitementNormal night sweat problemsNormal tachycardia (fast heartbeat) with emotional componentNormal fatigue with normal poor sleep qualityNormal menopausal symptoms with normal insomniaNormal concentration problems related to normal poor sleepThese are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Cool and Spirit-Calming CharacterShou-wu-teng is traditionally seen as a "cool" and "spirit-calming" herb – which effectively addresses normal nervousness and promotes normal sleep quality. This makes it particularly suitable for people with a tendency toward normal insomnia.Classical Formula: Suan Zao Ren Tang (Excellent with Shou-wu-teng)Shou-wu-teng is very often used TOGETHER with the famous insomnia formula "Suan Zao Ren Tang". Studies show that this combination is the MOST COMMONLY PRESCRIBED sleep formula in traditional TCM practice.Other Classical Applications:Zhen Xin An Shen Tang: for normal insomnia with normal anxietyTian Wang Bu Xin Dan (can contain Shou-wu-teng): for normal insomnia with normal drynessTriple combination: Suan Zao Ren Tang + Albizia julibrissin + Polygonum multiflorum – highly effective according to researchPreparation and DosageShou-wu-teng is traditionally:Built into formulasTraditional dosage: 9–15g per formulaCan also be prepared as tea (decoction)Very pleasant taste, making it popularVery Safe Profile (For Long-term Use)Shou-wu-teng (the vine) is known as one of the SAFEST sleep herbs in TCM. Unlike the root (He Shou Wu) which can have hepatotoxicity concerns, the vine/stem is extremely safe for long-term daily use.CAUTION: DO NOT CONFUSE WITH HE SHOU WU (ROOT)The root (He Shou Wu) can cause hepatotoxicity problems in excessive doses. This product is Shou-wu-teng (vine/stem), which is much SAFER.Seasonality and Daily UseShou-wu-teng is traditionally NOT season-dependent and can be used DAILY for years to support normal sleep quality and normal mental rest. This makes it ideal for people with chronic insomnia.Well-being and Daily UseShou-wu-teng is highly valued by modern users as part of daily wellness routines for normal sleep quality and normal mental health. This herb is PERFECT for independent daily use without professional supervision necessary.Many users see Shou-wu-teng as their daily "sleep helper" – as a cool, very calming element for normal sleep quality, normal mental rest and normal emotional balance. It can be used for years without problems.Highly Recommended for BeginnersShou-wu-teng is perfect for people new to TCM because it:Is very safeRequires no professional supervisionHas very pleasant tasteIs simple to use independentlyIs very affordableIs long-term effective for many peopleCAUTIOUS NOTE FOR THE CONSUMERThis product is a dietary supplement for independent wellness use. This is Shou-wu-teng (the VINE/stem), NOT He Shou Wu (the root).TCM terms such as Spirit Calmation, Sleep Promotion, Heart-Blood Nourishing are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine.If you have persistent insomnia, severe anxiety or normal heart problems, you should always consult a doctor or health expert.