Hu Zhang (Organic Japanese Knotweed Rhizome) – Tea Cut Coarse Ground (40–60 mesh) | 1 lb Nuherbs Organic

Hu Zhang—often called Japanese knotweed—is a classic Traditional Chinese herb made from the root/rhizome of Polygonum cuspidatum (a name also commonly listed as Reynoutria/Fallopia japonica in modern botany). It’s popular for its naturally occurring stilbenes and anthraquinones—especially resveratrol (and its glycoside polydatin) plus emodin, physcion, and chrysophanol.

• What “tea cut coarse ground” actually means (and why it makes better tea)

• What compounds are most associated with Hu Zhang 

• Safety notes 

Stephen Buhner Information on Hu Zhang 

Stephen Buhner discusses Hu Zhang (Japanese knotweed root/rhizome; Polygonum cuspidatum / Reynoutria japonica) in his Lyme-focused work because it isn’t just a “single-purpose” herb. He presents it as a foundational plant used to support multiple themes he sees as common in people struggling with Lyme-related symptom patterns. (This is an explanation of why he wrote about it, not a claim that the herb treats disease.)

1) “Endothelial support” is central to his Lyme framework

Buhner repeatedly emphasizes protecting endothelial integrity (the lining of blood/lymph vessels) as a priority in his approach, and he lists Japanese knotweed (Hu Zhang) among primary herbs for that theme in conference notes that summarize his teachings.

A separate, more mainstream agricultural/education source also notes Buhner’s view that Japanese knotweed has broad systemic actions and that he connects it with immune-modulating themes in Lyme discussions.

2) He frames it as a “core protocol” herb 

Many summaries of the Buhner protocol describe Japanese knotweed/Hu Zhang as part of the “core” or “basic” set of herbs he starts with.
(These are third-party summaries; they align with the way his protocol is commonly described, even when readers are not quoting the full book.)

3) He points to inflammation signaling (“cytokine cascade”) concepts

In notes from a Buhner conference, Japanese knotweed is listed under herbs used to “interrupt cytokine cascade and protect endothelial cells” (his wording/theme).

Separately, a 2023 peer-reviewed review of herbal supplements used for Lyme-related contexts reports that Japanese knotweed is among the herbs with in-vitro activity against Borrelia burgdorferi, and that several reviewed botanicals (including Japanese knotweed) also have anti-inflammatory activity, while also noting that in vivo data and clinical trials are lacking.

4) The plant has a broad constituent profile that supports “multi-angle” use

Scientific reviews of Hu Zhang summarize that it contains multiple well-studied compound classes—stilbenes (e.g., resveratrol, polydatin) and anthraquinones (e.g., emodin, physcion, chrysophanol)—which is part of why it is often discussed as having diverse biological activities in the research literature.

5) Laboratory research is one reason it appears in Lyme herbal conversations

A 2020 study evaluating natural/botanical medicines for Borrelia burgdorferi includes Polygonum cuspidatum (Japanese knotweed) among the botanicals investigated for activity (lab context).
This kind of research is frequently cited in integrative and herbal communities as part of the rationale for including the plant.

Why people associate Hu Zhang with “Buhner protocols”
Herbalist Stephen Harrod Buhner discusses Hu Zhang (Japanese knotweed rhizome) in Healing Lyme as a foundational herb in his framework, emphasizing themes like endothelial support and inflammation signaling balance. Some modern reviews also discuss Japanese knotweed in the context of laboratory research on Borrelia and anti-inflammatory activity, while noting that clinical trial data is limited.
This product page is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

1) Botanical identity + naming clarity

What is Hu Zhang?

Hu Zhang (虎杖) refers to the root/rhizome of Japanese knotweed, traditionally used in East Asian herbalism. A PubMed Central review summarizes Hu Zhang (Polygonum cuspidatum) and its major constituents and reported pharmacological activities.

Why so many names?

This herb is commonly labeled using older and newer botanical names:

• Polygonum cuspidatum (older/common in commerce)

• Reynoutria japonica / Fallopia japonica (modern classifications often used in botany literature)

Quick Summary Of Hu Zhang Tea Cut 

Organic Hu Zhang Tea Cut (40–60 mesh) is a “not-too-fine” grind designed for cleaner tea and flexible preparation.

• Form: tea cut coarse ground (sand-like texture; not a fine powder)

• Use: tea/decoction, tinctures, capsules, topical poultice/soak (as traditionally used)

• Key compounds often discussed: resveratrol/polydatin + emodin/physcion/chrysophanol

• Ingredients: 100% single herb (no additives)

Product Details

• Common names: Bushy Knotweed, Japanese Bushy Knotweed, Tiger Cane, Giant Knotweed; also called “root & rhizome” in commerce

• Botanical name (as listed): Polygonum cuspidatum; rhizome

• Pin Yin: Hu Zhang

• Other ingredients: None

• Package size: 1 lb

• Brand: Nuherbs Organics

• Origin: China

• Prop 65: California disclosure may apply (see Safety section)

2) How to Use (tea + tincture + capsules + poultice) + “tea cut” taste tips

Why “tea cut coarse ground” is a big deal

This isn’t a fine powder—it’s closer to beach sand in texture, which helps you avoid a “muddy tea.” It also stays contained in reusable tea bags so you get a cleaner pour.

Option A: Tea / infusion (simplest)

• Put the tea cut into a reusable tea bag or infuser

• Steep with hot water 10–15 minutes (longer steep = stronger extraction)

• If you dislike sediment, use a tea bag (this format was chosen for that reason)

Option B: Decoction (traditional simmer)

• Simmer gently 20–30 minutes

• Strain well (again, tea bags help reduce grit)

Option C: Capsules (convenience)

• Tea cut can be encapsulated, but it’s coarser than powder (some capsule machines do better with finer grinds)

Option D: Tinctures

• Hu Zhang is commonly used in tincture-style preparations; alcohol can extract certain compounds efficiently (practitioner guidance recommended).

Option E: Topical use (poultice/soak)

• Traditional use includes external applications for swelling/comfort (avoid broken skin; discontinue if irritation occurs).

Dosage note: Because needs vary and interactions are possible, keep: “Consult your healthcare professional for correct dosage.”

3) Safety & interactions 

Do not use if pregnant or nursing

That’s a reasonable conservative caution for supplements/herbs where safety data may be limited.

Use caution with blood thinners / before surgery

Several consumer-medical references note that resveratrol may slow blood clotting, and advise caution with bleeding risk and surgery.

Avoid high doses unless directed

Your current page notes “do not use in large doses”—keep that as a safety guardrail.

Prop 65 (Understanding Prop 65 )

Prop 65 warnings can appear on botanicals because trace heavy metals can occur in soils. It’s a disclosure requirement, not a diagnosis.

Disclaimer: This information is educational and not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

4) Research 

What researchers track for identity/quality

A PubMed paper describes analytical methods to quantify resveratrol, emodin, chrysophanol, and physcion for quality control of P. cuspidatum and extracts.

What compounds matter beyond “resveratrol”

A PubMed Central review on Chinese Pharmacopoeia marker discussions notes that quality standards increasingly track emodin and polydatin (a major resveratrol-related compound in knotweed).

Big-picture research summary 

A PubMed Central review (“Pharmacological Effects of the Dried Root of Polygonum cuspidatum (Hu Zhang)”) summarizes the herb’s compounds and reported biological activities across lab/preclinical and some clinical contexts.

Human evidence depends on preparation, dose, and study design. That’s why we separate “traditional use” from “research is exploring…”

5) FAQ 

1) Is Hu Zhang the same as Japanese knotweed?
Yes—Hu Zhang is the TCM name commonly used for Japanese knotweed root/rhizome, often labeled as Polygonum cuspidatum.

2) Why does the label say Polygonum cuspidatum when I’ve seen Fallopia/Reynoutria?
Botanical naming changes over time; “Polygonum cuspidatum” remains widely used in commerce and older literature.

3) What does “tea cut coarse ground (40–60 mesh)” mean?
It means the herb is ground to a coarse, sand-like texture—not a fine powder—so tea is less “muddy.”

4) Is this a powder?
No. It’s coarser than powder. If you want smoother drinks or easy capsule filling, powder may suit better.

5) Does Hu Zhang contain resveratrol?
Japanese knotweed is widely studied for stilbenes like resveratrol and polydatin, along with anthraquinones like emodin and physcion.

6) What other compounds occur naturally besides resveratrol?
Commonly referenced compounds include emodin, physcion, chrysophanol, and resveratrol-related constituents like polydatin.

7) Can I make tea without it turning gritty?
Yes—use a reusable tea bag or fine infuser; this format was selected specifically to reduce “muddy tea.”

8) Can Hu Zhang interact with medications?
If you take blood thinners or have surgery planned, use caution due to resveratrol-related bleeding risk notes in consumer-medical references.

9) Why do some people associate Hu Zhang with Lyme protocols?
It’s discussed in Healing Lyme Disease by Stephen Buhner, which helped popularize it in certain herbal communities. 

10) How should I store tea cut Hu Zhang?
Keep sealed, cool, dry, and away from sunlight and humidity to preserve quality.

6) Which Hu Zhang form should I choose?

Tea Cut Coarse Ground (this product):

• Best for: tea/decoction without “muddy tea”

• Why: coarser particles strain better than powder

Cut/Slices (C/S):

• Best for: long decoctions, traditional simmering

• Why: slower extraction, very clean straining

Powder:

• Best for: capsules, quick mixing

• Why: convenient, but can be gritty in tea

Extract/Granules:

• Best for: convenience + consistent concentration

• Why: fast prep; often selected when customers want a standardized approach

Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. 

Nuherbs

Each batch of herbs is dual-lab tested by in-house lab and independent third party lab. In-house lab is equipped with instruments such as a high performance liquid chromatograph, moisture determination meter, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph, etc.

In addition, the following additional tests are performed:

• Microbacteria
• Pesticides - over 200 pesticides tested for (Uab 2000 screen)
• Heavy Metals - Lead, Mercury and Arsenic

Traditional Chinese Herbs

Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs (Teas) emphasize harmony, and balance.

References

• University of Missouri-Columbia. Grapes May Minimize Brain Damage In Stroke Victims. Science Daily (2003, November 27). <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2003/11/031126070238.htm>.
• People Against Cancer. Resveratrol - The Wonder Nutrient. Finding the Best Cancer Treatement (2008, September 16). <http://www.peopleagainstcancer.com/pdfs/news/20080916n1.pdf>.
• http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/japanese-knotweed/
• https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/hu-zhang
• https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Japanese-Knotweed-Cid3279