Yè Jiāo Téng (夜交藤) — Fleeceflower stem
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Yè Jiāo Téng (夜交藤) — Polygonum multiflorum — is known in English as Fleeceflower stem. It belongs to the category of herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the spirit in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Yè Jiāo Téng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Yè Jiāo Téng |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 夜交藤 |
| Latin name | Polygonum multiflorum |
| English name | Fleeceflower stem |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Sweet |
| Channels entered | Heart, Liver |
| Category | Calm the spirit |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Nourishes Heart Blood and calms the spirit
- Unblocks the channels and eases aching limbs
Indications
- Insomnia with dream-disturbed sleep from Blood deficiency
- Restlessness and irritability
- Generalised aching of the limbs and joints
- Itching skin conditions, used internally and as a wash
4. Key formulas containing Yè Jiāo Téng
Yè Jiāo Téng is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Fleeceflower stem is the vine of the same plant as He Shou Wu and contains stilbene glycosides. Preclinical work has examined sedative and antioxidant activity. Clinical evidence for the isolated herb is limited; it is prescribed within a balanced formula.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Yè Jiāo Téng in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Use with caution in Damp-Phlegm patterns. Because it comes from the same plant as He Shou Wu, which has been associated with idiosyncratic liver reactions, it is avoided in patients with liver disease and stopped if jaundice or unexplained fatigue develops.
Pattern contraindications
Not appropriate where insomnia arises from excess Heat or Phlegm-Fire rather than Blood deficiency.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Yè Jiāo Téng at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Yè Jiāo Téng within tailored formulas for Blood-deficiency insomnia and restless sleep, always as part of an individually formulated prescription.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
