Quan Shen (Polygonum bistorta Rhizome): A Traditional Chinese Herb for Digestive and Respiratory Health
What is Quan Shen (Polygonum bistorta Rhizome)?
Quan Shen, also known as Bistort Root or Polygonum bistorta rhizome, is a versatile herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been widely used for centuries to support the digestive system, respiratory health, and wound healing. Recognized for its astringent properties, Quan Shen has become an essential remedy for various conditions due to its unique ability to stabilize and bind. Known for its warming nature, Quan Shen works in harmony with the body, promoting balance and internal health.
Health Benefits of Quan Shen
Quan Shen offers multiple benefits, with uses spanning digestion, respiratory health, and external wound care. Here are some of its core health benefits:
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Supports Digestive Health: Quan Shen is renowned for helping ease issues such as diarrhea and loose stools. As an astringent herb, it stabilizes the intestines, reducing excess moisture, which is ideal for gastrointestinal imbalances.
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Promotes Respiratory Health: In TCM, Quan Shen is used to manage cough and excess phlegm, providing relief for both acute and chronic respiratory concerns.
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Wound Healing and Skin Health: When applied externally, Quan Shen is known to aid wound healing and prevent infection. Its astringent properties make it valuable for reducing inflammation and irritation in the skin.
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Hemostatic (Blood-Clotting) Properties: Quan Shen is traditionally used to slow or stop bleeding, both internally and externally. It is often incorporated into herbal formulas for those who experience minor bleeding or excessive menstrual flow.
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Balances Internal Moisture: Known in TCM to address “dampness,” Quan Shen works to balance excess moisture in the body, which can contribute to digestive and respiratory issues.
Why Quan Shen Works
The effectiveness of Quan Shen is based on several active components in the Polygonum bistorta rhizome, such as tannins, flavonoids, and saponins. Here’s how these constituents benefit the body:
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Tannins: Quan Shen’s high tannin content provides its astringent effect, making it highly effective for tightening tissues and managing excess moisture in the digestive and respiratory systems. Tannins also offer antimicrobial benefits, which contribute to its use in wound healing.
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Flavonoids: Known for their antioxidant properties, flavonoids support overall health by reducing oxidative stress, promoting cellular health, and supporting respiratory wellness.
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Saponins: These compounds enhance Quan Shen’s expectorant properties, helping to clear phlegm and support respiratory health. Saponins also contribute to the herb’s immune-supportive properties.
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Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Compounds: Quan Shen’s antimicrobial properties make it effective for wound care and as a natural remedy for minor infections. Its anti-inflammatory benefits help manage swelling and irritation, both externally and internally.
Who Can Benefit from Quan Shen?
Quan Shen is suitable for those seeking natural support for digestive and respiratory health, as well as individuals looking for a traditional solution for skin and wound care. The herb is particularly helpful for individuals with:
- Recurring respiratory concerns such as cough or phlegm buildup
- Digestive irregularities, including loose stools or diarrhea
- Minor wounds or skin irritations needing natural treatment
- Menstrual imbalances involving heavy flow
How to Use Quan Shen
Quan Shen is available in various forms, including bulk cut, tea, decoction, and tincture. Here’s how each form can be beneficial:
- Bulk Cut: Suitable for making your own herbal blends or decoctions, bulk-cut Quan Shen is versatile for tailored use.
- Tea: Quan Shen tea offers a gentle approach for daily respiratory and digestive support.
- Decoction: Quan Shen decoction is potent and ideal for addressing acute needs, particularly digestive issues.
- Tincture: Convenient and concentrated, Quan Shen tinctures provide a quick, effective option for those needing on-the-go respiratory or digestive support.
Herbal Information for Chinese Paris Rhizome in Cut Form
Product Description
Common Name: Rhizoma Bistortae, meadow bistort
Botanical Name: Polygonum bistorta rhizome
Pin Yin Name: Quan Shen
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 500 Grams ( 1.1 pounds)
Form: Cut / Sliced - sizes vary
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing
Naturally Occurring Components: Tannins, gallic acid, succinic acid, umbelliferone, quercetin, rutin
Product Properties: Bitter, Tart, Slightly Cold
Channels: Liver Lung, Large Intestine
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
Main Characteristics (Attributes) of Herbs
- Harvested at the proper level of maturity and correct time of the season to maximize potency.
- Free from Chlorine
- Manufactured without the use of sulphur
- Preservative Free
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results
- Aluminum Phosphate free
- Packaged in an airtight sealed bag
- Pin Yin Names and Botanical Names are listed on the bag
- Certificate of Analysis are available upon request
- Conforms to Standards of Chinese Pharmacopeia
- No dyes, colors, or bleaching of the herbs
- We are an authorized direct distributor of Plum Flower Herbs.
- 500 gram bag size which equal anywhere from 4 to 6 cups of herbs
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as a supplementary aspect to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.
References:
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/QuanShen.html
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/288371832_Chemical_constituents_from_Polygonum_bistorta_rhizomes
