Ye Jiao Teng
Ye = night
Jiao = commingling (friends)
Teng = vine
Sweet & Neutral
Heart & Liver
In the heart channel, Ye Jiao Teng nourishes the blood & calms the spirit.
In the liver channel, Ye Jiao Teng expels wind & unblocks the collaterals to stop itching.
This herb is "gentle and helpful." It is also pretty, in my opinion.
A person who is blood deficient and consequently an insomniac, with restlessness, palpitations, disturbing dreams, aching limbs, and itchy skin due to wind invading the blood deficient channels, is a good candidate for Ye Jiao Teng.
Historically, Ye Jiao Teng was used only for itching due to wind invading the channels (especially used as a wash for scabies). The calming the spirit use of the herb is more recent, and a large dose is required to accomplish this function (15-30 grams).
Ye Jiao Teng belongs to the large polygonum family, which I have a particular nostalgic affinity for. A type of polygonum used to grow in my backyard in Washington state. They were tall -- probably fourteen feet, with large loping leaves, and looked slightly prehistoric. They grew in a big patch along the bulkhead which fronted the bay, proliferating quickly. I am happy to know that this family of plants can claim some pretty nice medicines, such as Ye Jiao Teng, and also He Shou Wu. They nourish the body, as looking as those plants nourished my spirit for many years.
Specific functions:
1. Nourishes the Heart & Blood & Calms the Spirit
* yin or blood deficient with insomnia & irritability
* very useful for dream disturbed sleep
2. Nourishes the Blood & Unblocks the Channels
* generalized weakness, soreness, pain, numbness due to blood deficiency
* auxiliary herb for painful obstruction
3. Alleviates itching - external wash for itching and rashes
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