Fleeceflower Root

하수오 (何首烏) · Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.) Moldenke

Blood-tonifying herb Neutral-warm Bitter, astringent (some sources: sweet) Liver, Kidney

NatureNeutral-warm

TasteBitter, astringent (some sources: sweet)

MeridiansLiver, Kidney

Part usedRoot (tuber)

FamilyPolygonaceae

CategoryBlood-tonifying herb

Find by concern: Premature graying Fatigue

Overview

Fleeceflower root's name comes with a full legend recorded right in the Donguibogam: a frail, wifeless old man named Ha Su-o found two entwined vines in a field, dug up and ate their root, and within days regained vitality — fathering children and living, the story claims, to 130. The plant was named after him.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性平溫, 味苦澁一云甘, 無毒. 主瘰癧. 消癰腫五痔. 治積年勞瘦, 痰癖, 風虛敗劣. 療婦人産後諸疾, 帶下赤白. 益血氣, 壯筋骨, 塡精髓, 黑毛髮, 悅顔色, 駐顔延年.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is neutral-warm, its taste bitter and astringent (some say sweet), and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats scrofula. It resolves boils, swelling, and the five types of hemorrhoids. It treats years-long taxation and wasting, phlegm accumulation, and wind-deficiency debility. It heals women's postpartum ailments and red and white vaginal discharge. It boosts blood-qi, strengthens sinews and bones, fills the essence-marrow, blackens the hair, brightens the complexion, and preserves youth to prolong life.

Traditional functions

Nourishes blood
Blackens hair, delays graying
Strengthens sinews and bones
Fills essence-marrow

Traditional applications

Premature graying of hair
Chronic fatigue and wasting
Postpartum conditions
Scrofula (lymph node swelling)

Traditional preparation

Decoction 8–20g, traditionally rice-water soaked and black-bean-juice steamed before use.

Cautions

Caution: The classics list specific food incompatibilities during use: avoid onion, garlic, radish, pig or sheep blood, and scaleless fish, and never let the root touch iron during preparation. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

Is the origin story about a real person?

The Donguibogam records it as history: a frail, wifeless man named Ha Su-o found the root, regained his vitality after eating it, fathered children, and lived to 130 — the plant was named for him.

What foods should be avoided while taking fleeceflower root?

The Donguibogam specifically lists onion, garlic, radish, pig or sheep blood, and scaleless fish, and instructs that the root never touch iron during preparation.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.