Yè Jiāo Téng (夜交藤), known in English as Fo-ti stem (Polygonum multiflorum (stem)), is a neutral, sweet Chinese herb from the Calm shen category. It enters the Heart and Liver channels. Its main action: nourishes Blood, calms Shen.
| Pinyin | Yè Jiāo Téng (Ye Jiao Teng) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 夜交藤 |
| English | Fo-ti stem |
| Botanical name | Polygonum multiflorum (stem) |
| Category | Calm shen |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels | Heart, Liver |
| Dosage | 9–15g |
| Cautions | No significant cautions at standard doses |
Actions
- Nourishes Blood, calms Shen
- Dispels Wind, unblocks collaterals
Indications
- Insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep from Blood and Yin deficiency
- Body aches from Blood deficiency
- Wind-Damp Bi
- Itchy skin (topical wash)
How to remember Yè Jiāo Téng
Calm shen herbs are mostly sweet, and most enter the Heart, Liver and Kidney channels.
- You can work these out
- Sweet, Liver channel: like most Calm shen herbs
- Heart channel: from its action “calms Shen”
- Learn by heart
- Neutral: Calm shen herbs vary in nature
Formulas containing Yè Jiāo Téng
Other Calm shen herbs
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Yè Jiāo Téng?
Yè Jiāo Téng is neutral and sweet.
Which channels does Yè Jiāo Téng enter?
Yè Jiāo Téng enters the Heart and Liver channels.
What are the actions of Yè Jiāo Téng?
Nourishes Blood, calms Shen; Dispels Wind, unblocks collaterals.
What is Yè Jiāo Téng used for?
Insomnia and dream-disturbed sleep from Blood and Yin deficiency; body aches from Blood deficiency; Wind-Damp Bi; itchy skin (topical wash).
Which formulas contain Yè Jiāo Téng?
Tiān Má Gōu Téng Yǐn.
Practise Yè Jiāo Téng and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.