Fo Ti （Polygonum multiflorum）

Also known as fleeceflower root, Polygonum multiflorum, Thunb Polygonum multiflorum, and He Shou Wu.

He Shou Wu is a blood-tonifying medicinal herb, derived from the root tuber of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., a plant in the Polygonaceae family. There are many processing methods for He Shou Wu. Currently, two main types exist: raw He Shou Wu (Sheng He Shou Wu) and processed He Shou Wu (Zhi He Shou Wu). Raw He Shou Wu has a bitter and astringent taste with a slightly warm nature. It helps support the body’s natural detoxification processes, supports healthy skin and tissue, supports the body’s resistance during seasonal changes, and supports regular bowel movements. It is traditionally used for occasional skin irritations, swollen lymph nodes, wind rash and itching, general weakness following prolonged wellness, and occasional constipation due to dryness. Processed He Shou Wu has a sweet and rich taste. It is known for its ability to nourish the Liver and Kidney, support the Essence and Blood, strengthen the bones and tendons, and support healthy hair color. It is traditionally used for occasional weakness and sallow complexion due to blood deficiency, dizziness and tinnitus, premature graying of hair, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, numbness in the limbs, irregular uterine bleeding and vaginal discharge, and to help maintain healthy blood lipid levels.

Functions & Benefits

Functions

1. Raw *Polygonum multiflorum* (Fo Ti): supports the body’s natural detoxification processes, helps maintain healthy skin and tissue, supports a healthy immune response, and helps maintain bowel regularity.

2. Prepared Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti): supports Liver and Kidney health, nourishes essence and blood, supports healthy hair color, supports strong bones and tendons, and helps maintain normal lipid levels.

Primary Functions

Raw He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) supports skin health, helps helps with occasional occasional itching, and promotes recovery after prolonged wellness. It also helps maintain normal bowel function. Processed He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) supports healthy complexion, helps maintain normal hearing and balance, supports healthy hair color, and promotes strength in the lower back and knees. It also supports normal sensation in the limbs, supports women’s reproductive health, and helps maintain healthy lipid levels.

Usage and Dosage

For decoction and oral administration: 6-12g of processed Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu), 3-6g of raw Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti).

Precautions

1. Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) may affect Liver health; therefore, prolonged or excessive use is not recommended.

2. Do not combine with alkaline drugs, as anthraquinone glycosides are prone to oxidation and inactivation in alkaline solutions.

3. Should not be used together with adrenocortical hormone drugs, as it may exacerbate hormone side effects, such as high blood pressure and fluid retention.

4. It is not recommended to use together with adrenergic drugs such as epinephrine, norepinephrine, isoproterenol, and aldosterone, and should not be used with isoproterenol. It has adrenocortical hormone effects that may increase myocardial sensitivity to adrenocortical hormones, thereby potentially affecting normal Heart function.

5. During medication, avoid onions, garlic, radish, pig blood, scaleless fish, and strongly alkaline foods such as grapes, tea, wine, seaweed sprouts, and kelp.

Chemical composition

Mainly containing anthraquinone components: emodin, chrysophanol, physcion, rhein, chrysophanol anthrone, etc.; stilbene glycoside components: 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside, 2”-O-monogalloyl-acetophenone-2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside, etc.

Pharmacological Effects

This product supports healthy blood cell production, supports memory function, helps maintain healthy blood lipid levels, supports cardiovascular health, provides antioxidant support, supports immune system function, and supports overall cellular health, among other benefits.

Toxicological effects

Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) contains anthraquinone derivatives which can support bowel movement, so it may not be suitable for those with loose stool tendencies. The raw herb (Sheng Shou Wu) is relatively stronger in nature compared to the processed herb (Zhi Shou Wu). In laboratory studies, the processed form has been observed to have a significantly milder profile than the raw form. This supports the common clinical practice of using the processed Polygonum multiflorum (Zhi Shou Wu) to promote overall wellness.

Related Discussion

From the *Kai Bao Ben Cao*: It supports lymphatic health, helps with occasional swelling, supports skin health on the head and face, promotes anal comfort, helps with occasional chest discomfort, supports healthy blood and qi circulation, helps maintain natural hair color, and promotes a radiant complexion. Long-term use supports strong bones and tendons, supports vitality and essence, and promotes longevity and youthful vitality. It also supports women’s postpartum recovery and reproductive health.

2. *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica): “This herb is warm in nature, with a bitter and astringent taste. The bitter flavor supports Kidney health, the warm nature supports Liver health, and it helps maintain the body’s ability to conserve vital essence and Qi. Thus, it supports blood nourishment and Liver function, helps maintain healthy Kidney function and essence retention, supports strong bones and tendons, and promotes healthy hair color. It is a beneficial tonic herb, balanced in nature—neither too cooling nor too drying—and its benefits surpass those of *Rehmannia glutinosa* (Dihuang) and *Asparagus cochinchinensis* (Tianmendong) among other herbs.”

3. *Ben Jing Feng Yuan* (Exegesis of the Materia Medica): “He Shou Wu (*Polygonum multiflorum*), when used raw, has a dispersing nature and is used to support the body during alternating chills and fever, as well as to support healthy skin condition in cases of abscesses, deep-rooted boils, and back sores. Nowadays, for those with dryness of fluids and blood, and occasional bowel irregularity associated with wind patterns, several *qian* of the fresh root can be decocted and taken to help promote smooth bowel movements.”

Clinical Applications

Clinical Application

1. For patterns of Blood Deficiency with sallow complexion, occasional sleeplessness, and forgetfulness, it is often combined with Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Dihuang, *Rehmannia glutinosa*), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), and Sour Jujube Seed (Suanzaoren, *Ziziphus spinosa*) to support blood nourishment and calm the mind.

2. For patterns of Essence and Blood Deficiency with manifestations such as lower back soreness, weak legs, dizziness, blurred vision, premature graying of hair, and Kidney deficiency-related reproductive health concerns, it is combined with *Angelica sinensis* (Danggui), *Lycium barbarum* (Gouqizi), *Cuscuta chinensis* (Tusizi), and others, as in Qibao Meiran Dan (Seven-Treasure Beautiful Beard Pill) from the *Jishantang Fang* (Jishantang Formulary).

3. To support conditions of Liver and Kidney Deficiency, such as occasional lower back and knee discomfort, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, and hearing difficulties, it is often combined with Morus alba (Sangshenzi), Sesamum indicum (Heizhima), Eucommia ulmoides (Duzhong), etc., as in Shouwu Yanshou Dan (Fleeceflower Longevity Pill) from the Shi Bu Zhai Medical Writings.

4. For chronic conditions with Qi and Blood Deficiency, He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) can be used together with Ren Shen (Panax ginseng), Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis), Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata), and roasted ginger, as in He Ren Yin (from *Jingyue Quanshu*).

5. To support the body’s healthy response to occasional skin discomfort and lymphatic imbalances, it may be combined with *Prunella vulgaris* (Xiakucao), *Bolbostemma paniculatum* (Tubeimu), *Angelica sinensis* (Danggui), and other herbs (according to *Bencao Huiyan*).

6. For generalized skin discomfort with swelling and itching, may be combined with Saposhnikovia divaricata (Fangfeng), Sophora flavescens (Kushen), and Mentha haplocalyx (Bohe) in a decoction for external washing, as in He Shou Wu San (Fleeceflower Root Powder) from the *Essentials of External Medicine*.

7. For elderly and weak individuals with Blood Deficiency and Intestinal Dryness, used in combination with *Cistanche deserticola* (Roucongrong), *Angelica sinensis* (Danggui), and *Cannabis sativa* (HuoMaren), it supports intestinal moisture and helps maintain regular bowel movements.

Related Combinations

1. Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) combined with Panax ginseng (Ren Shen): He Shou Wu is known for supporting the body’s natural defenses, promoting detoxification, and nourishing essence and blood; Ren Shen excels at supporting Qi and strengthening the Spleen. When used together, they help enhance the functions of nourishing Qi and Blood, and support the body’s healthy resistance. This combination is suitable for individuals who experience prolonged weakness and Qi and Blood Deficiency.

2. Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) paired with Rehmannia glutinosa (Shoudihuang): Polygonum multiflorum excels in supporting the Liver and Kidneys, nourishing essence and blood, and promoting healthy hair and beard—nourishing without being cloying; Rehmannia glutinosa excels in enriching blood and nurturing yin, replenishing essence and marrow, with a rich and dense nature. When used together, these two herbs enhance the effects of supporting yin and blood nourishment, and fortifying essence and marrow. This combination is suitable for individuals experiencing manifestations such as a lackluster complexion, occasional dizziness and tinnitus, discomfort in the lower back and knees at times, premature graying of hair, occasional seminal emissions (in males), or delayed growth and development in children—all associated with insufficient Liver-Kidney function and deficiency of essence and blood.

3. Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) paired with Achyranthes bidentata (Niuxi): Polygonum multiflorum is known for supporting the health of the Liver and Kidney systems, nourishing essence and blood, and promoting strong sinews and bones. Achyranthes bidentata is adept at supporting the Liver and Kidney and reinforcing sinews and bones. When combined, they enhance the support for the Liver and Kidney, help nourish essence and blood, and promote the health of sinews and bones. This pair supports the body’s natural balance, helping to maintain comfort in the lower back and knees and normal sensation in the limbs, particularly when these are due to a temporary deficiency of Liver and Kidney essence and blood.

4. Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) and Forsythia suspensa (Lian Qiao): Polygonum multiflorum excels in supporting the nourishment of essence and blood, while also supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes. Forsythia suspensa is adept at helping maintain a balanced internal environment and supporting the resolution of localized discomfort. Combined, these two herbs enhance the body’s ability to maintain internal balance and support healthy tissue, making them suitable for individuals experiencing occasional swelling and discomfort.

5. Fallopia multiflora (Fo Ti) combined with Taxillus chinensis (Sangjisheng): Fallopia multiflora excels at tonifying the Liver and Kidney, benefiting essence and blood, and strengthening sinews and bones; Taxillus chinensis excels at dispelling wind-dampness, tonifying the Liver and Kidney, and strengthening sinews and bones. When used together, they enhance the effect of nourishing the Kidney and softening the Liver, benefiting essence and nourishing blood, and strengthening sinews and bones. This combination supports healthy function of the lower back and knees and helps maintain comfortable movement and strength of sinews and bones, particularly for individuals experiencing occasional discomfort related to these areas.

6. Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) combined with Sophora flavescens (Kushen): Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) is known for supporting the nourishment of essence and blood; Sophora flavescens (Kushen) helps maintain a balanced internal environment and supports skin comfort. When used together, they enhance the effects of nourishing blood and promoting a healthy response to external factors, while helping to maintain skin dryness and comfort. This combination may be beneficial for occasional skin discomfort related to wind-dampness.

Differentiation of Medicinals

1. Raw He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) and Processed He Shou Wu: Ancient processing methods for He Shou Wu number more than 30 types. In modern times, there are mainly two types: raw He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) and processed He Shou Wu. Raw He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) has a bitter, astringent taste and a slightly warm nature. Its functions include supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes, promoting the resolution of occasional swellings, aiding the body during periodic febrile conditions, and helping to maintain regular bowel movements. It is traditionally used for supporting skin health in cases of occasional sores and rashes, as well as for occasional discomfort associated with prolonged weakness and dry intestines. Processed He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) has a sweet and rich taste. It is known for supporting the Liver and Kidney, nourishing essence and blood, promoting healthy bones and tendons, and helping to maintain normal hair color. It is traditionally used to support occasional paleness related to blood deficiency, occasional dizziness and tinnitus, premature graying of hair, occasional soreness in the lower back and knees, occasional numbness in the limbs, and to help maintain normal menstrual flow and vaginal discharge, as well as to support healthy lipid levels.

2. Fo Ti and Bai Shou Wu: In ancient times, He Shou Wu was distinguished as red (Chi) and white (Bai). Chi Shou Wu refers to the authentic He Shou Wu, derived from the Polygonaceae family. Bai Shou Wu has multiple botanical sources, among which the root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum (Asclepiadaceae) is more commonly used, also called Er Ye Bai Shou Wu. The two herbs share similar functions: both support the nourishment of essence and blood, and are used for conditions involving deficiency of essence and blood, such as weakness and soreness of the lower back and knees, dizziness, and tinnitus. Both also support detoxification and supports of sores, and help maintain regular bowel movements, making them applicable for skin infections (sores and carbuncles) and occasional constipation. However, after processing (Zhi), He Shou Wu becomes sweet, astringent, and slightly warm in nature, with stronger nourishing properties yet not cloying; the raw product also supports a balanced response to intermittent conditions (such as chills and fevers). Bai Shou Wu is mild in nature, with a weaker nourishing effect, suitable for milder cases. Additionally, it supports healthy digestion and promotes lactation.

3. Fo Ti (Polygonum multiflorum [Fo-ti]) and Shou Wu Teng (Polygonum multiflorum vine [Caulis Polygoni Multiflori]): Both have a sweet taste and enter the Liver Meridian (LR), supporting blood nourishment. However, He Shou Wu has a slightly warm nature and enters the Kidney Meridian (KI). When prepared (processed), it has a sweet taste that tonifies and astringes, excelling in supporting Liver and Kidney health and nourishing essence and blood, making it a nourishing herb. It helps maintain healthy blood levels and complexion, supports normal vision and balance related to essence and blood nourishment, supports healthy hair color, supports comfortable lower back and knees, and helps with occasional limb numbness. Used raw, it has more bitter taste that promotes drainage, with weaker nourishing effects. Its functions support the body during febrile episodes, promote detoxification, and help maintain regular bowel movements. It is traditionally used for supporting recovery from prolonged febrile conditions with weakness, promoting skin health, supporting lymphatic health, helping helps with occasional occasional wind rash with itching, and maintaining regular bowel movements. On the other hand, Shou Wu Teng has a neutral nature and enters the Heart Meridian (HT). It is adept at nourishing blood and calming the spirit, and at dispelling wind and unblocking collaterals (supports comfortable meridian flow). It supports restful sleep and helps with occasional dream-disturbed sleep, helps with occasional body discomfort related to blood nourishment, and helps with occasional joint discomfort due to wind-dampness. When decocted and used externally as a wash, it helps helps with occasional occasional itching and supports skin comfort.

Related Medicinal Products

Panax ginseng (Ren Shen) and Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu) Capsule (Essence), Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) Pill, Yi Ling Jing (Longevity Essence), Cistanche deserticola (Roucongrong) Oral Liquid that supports Normal Bowel Function, and Lipid-Supporting Granules (Tablets).

Related Formulas

Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan (Seven-Treasure Beard-Beautifying Pill) (from *Bencao Gangmu* citing *Jishantang Fang*), Da Huo Luo Dan (Major Meridian-Activating Pill) (from *Lantai Guifan*), He Shou Wu Wan (Fleeceflower Root Pill) (from *Xuanming Lun Fang*), He Shou Wu Tang (Fleeceflower Root Decoction) (from *Yangyi Daquan*), He Ren Yin (Polygonum and Ginseng Decoction) (from *Jingyue Quanshu*).

Medicinal Food Therapy

Fallopia multiflora (Fo Ti) Pheasant

1. Benefits: supports Liver and Kidney health, helps maintain natural hair color, promotes a healthy complexion, and supports overall vitality and healthy aging.

2. Raw materials: 2 pheasants, 15g of processed Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu), 100g of green peppers, 15g of winter bamboo shoots, 10g of soy sauce, 20ml of cooking wine, 1g of monosodium glutamate (MSG), 2g of salt, 20g of bean starch, 1 egg, and 1000g of vegetable oil.

3. Method: Clean the Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) with clean water, then boil it twice in an aluminum pot. Collect 20 mL of the decoction. Remove the feathers from the pheasant, open the abdomen and discard the internal organs, wash thoroughly, debone, and cut into bite-sized cubes. Dice the winter bamboo shoots and green peppers. Separate the egg whites from the yolks, keeping only the whites. Mix the egg whites with bean starch to form an egg-white-starch mixture. Use half of this mixture with a pinch of salt to marinate the pheasant cubes; set aside. Combine the remaining half with rice wine, soy sauce, MSG, and the Polygonum multiflorum decoction to make a sauce. Heat a clean wok over a fire, add vegetable oil, and when it reaches about 60% heat, briefly fry the marinated pheasant cubes until cooked through, then quickly scoop them out and set aside. Leave a small amount of oil in the wok, add the cooked pheasant cubes, winter bamboo shoots, and green peppers, pour in the prepared sauce, stir to thicken, then remove from the wok and plate. Serve.

4. Usage: To be consumed with meals.

Notes

For those who may benefit from such herbal support, they should first visit a qualified TCM hospital. After a professional TCM pattern differentiation, a Chinese herbal prescription will be provided.

Processing and Preparation (Paozhi)

Harvesting and Processing

It can be harvested after 3–4 years of cultivation. Dig up the roots after the leaves fall in autumn or before sprouting in early spring. Remove the stems and vines, dig out the roots, wash off the soil, cut the large ones into thick slices of about 2 cm, and leave the small ones uncut. Dry them in the sun or by baking, and they are ready for use.

Processing Method

Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti)

Take the original medicinal material, remove impurities, separate by size, wash, soak briefly, allow to moisten thoroughly, cut into thick slices or small pieces, and dry.

2. Processed Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti)

(1) Black Bean Processing: Take cleaned *Polygonum multiflorum* (Fo Ti) slices or pieces and mix evenly with black bean juice. Place in a suitable non-iron container, seal, and heat in a water bath or with steam until the juice is fully absorbed. Alternatively, mix with black bean juice, allow to thoroughly soak, then steam in a steamer or wooden steamer until brownish-black, remove, and dry. For every 100 kg of *Polygonum multiflorum* slices or pieces, use 10 kg of black beans. Method for preparing black bean juice: Take 10 kg of black beans, add an appropriate amount of water, boil for 4 hours, and decoct approximately 15 kg of juice. Add water to the bean dregs and boil for another 3 hours, decocting approximately 10 kg of juice. Combine the two to obtain about 25 kg of bean juice. After being processed with black beans, it helps support Liver and Kidney health, nourish essence and blood, maintain healthy hair color, and support strong bones and tendons.

(2) Wine Processing: Take slices or pieces of *Polygonum multiflorum* (Fo Ti), mix evenly with yellow rice wine (Huangjiu), and allow to moisten for 4–6 hours. Place in a steaming basket and steam for 6 hours. Remove and let cool slightly. Then add the liquid from the steaming vessel, allow the liquid to be fully absorbed, remove, and steam again until the material turns black. Finally, take out and dry in the sun or by baking. For every 100 kg of *Polygonum multiflorum* (Fo Ti), use 12 kg of yellow rice wine (Huangjiu).

(3) Processing with Black Bean Juice and Yellow Wine: Place the pieces of Fo Ti (Fallopia multiflora) into a basin, mix evenly with black bean juice (Glycine max, Hei Dou) and yellow wine (Huangjiu), then place into a pot or suitable container, seal tightly, and steam in a water bath until the liquid is fully absorbed. Remove and dry in the sun. For every 100 kg of Fo Ti, use 10 kg of black beans and 25 kg of yellow wine. Alternatively, take sliced or block Fo Ti, first mix with black bean juice and yellow wine, then heat over water, steam for 8 hours, let it sit sealed for 8 hours, remove, and dry in the sun. For every 100 kg of sliced He Shou Wu, use 10 kg of black beans and 20 kg of yellow wine.

3. Steamed Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti)

Take Polygoni Multiflorum (Fo Ti), remove impurities, grade by size, soak thoroughly, wash clean, remove from water. Split large pieces open, sprinkle water intermittently, moisten until soft. Place in a steamer and steam for a full 8 hours, then allow to sit covered overnight. The next morning, turn the material over once, then steam again. Repeat this steaming process until the interior and exterior are uniformly moist and black in color. Remove, dry partially in the sun, cut into thick slices. Mix in the original liquid obtained from steaming until fully absorbed, then dry. Sift to remove dust and debris. Processed Polygoni Multiflorum (Steamed Heshouwu) supports healthy hair and beard appearance, and helps maintain normal Yin-nourishing and consolidating functions.

Storage Method

Store in a dry container, tightly sealed, and keep in a well-ventilated dry place.

Authentication of Medicinal Materials

Morphological Characteristics

This product is in the form of lumps or irregular fusiform shapes, 6-15 cm in length, and 4-12 cm in diameter. The surface is reddish-brown or reddish-brown, wrinkled and uneven, with shallow grooves, as well as transversely elongated lenticels and fine root scars. Heavy in weight, solid in texture, not easily broken. The fracture surface is pale yellowish-brown or pale reddish-brown, showing powderiness. In the cortex, there are 4-11 sub-rounded anomalous vascular bundles arranged in rings, forming a cloud-brocade pattern. The central xylem is relatively large, and some have a wood core. Slight odor, taste slightly bitter and sweetish-astringent.

Description of Decoction Pieces

1. Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti): see medicinal material characteristics.

2. Steamed Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti): The surface is black or brownish-black, with a glossy appearance. The taste is bland and slightly sweet.

3. Wine-processed Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti): Black surface, slight wine aroma, taste slightly sweet.

4. Processed Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti) with black beans and yellow rice wine: black surface, slight wine aroma, sweet taste.

Botanical Information

plant species and genus

Polygonum multiflorum (Fo Ti), a plant of the Polygonaceae family and Polygonum genus.

Morphological Characteristics

Perennial twining vine. Root slender, with enlarged tuberous root at the terminal end, outer surface reddish-brown to dark brown. Stem base slightly woody, hollow. Leaves alternate; petiole long; stipules sheath-like, membranous, brown; leaf blade narrowly ovate or cordate, 4-8 cm long, 2.5-5 cm wide, apex acuminate, base cordate or sagittate, entire or slightly undulate, dark green above, pale green below, glabrous on both surfaces. Panicles. Pedicels jointed, with membranous bracts at base; flowers small, perianth greenish-white, 5-lobed, unequal, the outer three lobes winged on the back; stamens 8, unequal, shorter than perianth; pistil 1, stigma 3-lobed, capitate. Achene ellipsoid, trigonous, black, shiny, enclosed by persistent perianth, perianth with three distinct wings. Flowering August–October, fruiting September–November.

Distribution area

Distributed in East China, Central-South China, and the provinces of Hebei, Shanxi, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Shaanxi, Gansu, Taiwan, among other areas.

authentic producing region

Mainly produced in Henan, Hubei, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Guizhou.

growing environment

It grows in grassy slopes, roadsides, rocky crevices on hillsides, and among shrubs.

Clinical Internship

It prefers a warm, humid climate. Avoid drought and waterlogging. For cultivation, select sandy loam soil that is deep, loose, fertile, well-drained, and rich in humus. Clay soil is not suitable for planting.

Reproduction method

Propagate using seeds and cuttings.

Cultivation Techniques

1. Seed propagation: Direct seeding is the main method, but seedling transplanting is also possible. Sow from early March to early April. Drill seeding with row spacing of 30-35 cm. Apply diluted livestock and human manure, then sow seeds evenly into the furrows, and cover with 3 cm of soil. When seedlings reach 5 cm in height, thin them to a plant spacing of about 30 cm.

2. Cutting propagation: From early March to early April, select stem vines from robust, vigorously growing plants free of pests and wellness. Cut them into cuttings approximately 25 cm in length, each cutting should retain 2-3 nodes. Use row spacing of 30-35 cm, plant spacing of about 30 cm, and hole depth of about 20 cm. Place 2-3 cuttings per hole, taking care not to insert them upside down. Cover with soil, press firmly, and apply human or animal manure fertilizer.

Pest and wellness control

1. wellness: For leaf spot, spray 1:1:120 Bordeaux mixture at the early stage of onset, once a week, for 2-3 consecutive times.

2. Pest: Aphids.