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About our Dried Chinese Knotweed
About
Dried Chinese knotweed, also known as He Shou Wu (Zhi), has been valued in traditional practices for centuries.
Carefully prepared through a specialised drying process, this renowned root is often used to complement a balanced lifestyle.
With its deep, earthy flavour, it can be infused into teas, tonics, and broths, offering a potential way to support overall well-being as part of a nourishing diet.
Potential benefits
Natural Compounds: Dried Chinese Knotweed naturally contains plant compounds such as resveratrol.
Deep and Earthy: Its distinctive flavour is why He Shou Wu is usually simmered into tonics and broths rather than steeped briefly.
Prepared Root: The Zhi preparation is what distinguishes this from the raw root, and the two are used differently in traditional practice.
Nourishing Tonic Group: Classified among the dark, nourishing tonic herbs and rarely used on its own.
Traditional use: He Shou Wu (Zhi) has a long history in Traditional Chinese Medicine, where the prepared root is described as nourishing and restorative. It is classified among the tonic herbs and features in a number of classical formulas.
Important Safety Information
He Shou Wu has been associated with reports of liver injury. The MHRA has issued safety advice on this herb, and cases of hepatotoxicity have been recorded internationally, including in people with no previous liver problems.
Do not use this herb if you have any liver condition or a history of liver problems. Do not use it alongside other products known to affect the liver.
Stop taking it immediately and seek medical advice if you experience yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, unusual tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, or pain in the upper abdomen.
Speak to a qualified practitioner or your GP before use, particularly if you take any medication or have an existing health condition. Do not exceed the suggested amount, and do not take it continuously over long periods without professional supervision. Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Recommended Dosage
We recommend around 10g per portion.
Here are some suggestions on how to use Dried Chinese Knotweed:
Herbal tea: Dried Chinese Knotweed can be used to make herbal tea. You can simmer the dried herb in hot water to extract its compounds. Chinese Knotweed tea is known for its earthy flavour and can be enjoyed on its own or combined with other herbs for flavour enhancement.
Culinary applications: In some culinary traditions, dried Chinese Knotweed is used as a cooking ingredient. It is often used in traditional Chinese dishes, stir-fries, soups, or herbal broths.
Herbal formulations: Dried Chinese Knotweed is frequently used as an ingredient in traditional herbal formulations. It is often combined with other herbs to create custom blends, and this should be done under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
When using dried Chinese Knotweed, follow proper recipes and consult knowledgeable sources to ensure safe and appropriate use. The herb should be used in moderation and not taken continuously without professional supervision.
Traditional Pairings
He Shou Wu belongs to a group of dark, nourishing tonic herbs, and is rarely used alone. These are the ones most often combined with it:
- Nu Zhen Zi – 女贞子 | 500g the herb most frequently paired with He Shou Wu
- Black Sesame Seeds (Hei Zhi Ma) | 500g another dark tonic ingredient from the same group
- Dried Goji Berries (Gou Qi Zi) | 100g commonly simmered alongside in tonic teas
- Dried Mulberry Fruit (Sang Shen Zi) | 500g used in similar preparations
Browse the full dispensary range in our Dried Herbs & Botanicals collection.
Why Choose Vita?
Every herb we sell at Vita Herbal Nutrition is non-sulphur treated and chosen for use in the kitchen and in traditional preparation.
Our herbs are 100% free from sulphur treatment. While many on the market use sulphur to brighten the appearance and prolong shelf life of herbs, we avoid this practice because it alters the herb’s natural properties and may trigger allergic reactions in some individuals. You can read more on our non-sulphur treated herbs page.
We follow the DaoDi principle of choosing each herb from the area traditionally associated with it, and we have worked with the same supply partners since 2010.
FAQ
Does Dried Chinese Knotweed contain any notable nutrients?
He Shou Wu is a potential source of plant compounds and micronutrients, making it a potentially valuable ingredient in a varied diet.
Is it suitable for a plant-based diet?
Yes, Dried Chinese Knotweed is entirely plant-derived and can be incorporated into vegetarian and vegan lifestyles.
How should I prepare Dried Chinese Knotweed?
It can be simmered in water to make a tea, infused into broths, or blended with other ingredients under practitioner guidance.
What does "Zhi" mean in He Shou Wu (Zhi)?
It indicates the root has been prepared rather than supplied raw. Prepared and raw He Shou Wu are treated as separate herbs in traditional practice, so check which one a formula specifies.
Should I take advice before using it?
Yes. He Shou Wu has been associated with reports of liver injury and is a herb where professional guidance matters. Speak to a qualified practitioner or your GP before use, particularly if you take any medication or have an existing health condition. Do not exceed the suggested amount.
Who should not take it?
Anyone with a liver condition or a history of liver problems, anyone pregnant or breastfeeding, and anyone taking medication that affects the liver.
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