Definition

1. Noun:
   • A medicinal herb: "hà thủ ô" is the Vietnamese name for a perennial climbing plant, scientifically known as Fallopia multiflora (formerly Polygonum multiflorum). Its root is highly valued in traditional medicine.
   • The processed root of this plant: The term commonly refers to the dried, and often specially processed, tuberous root used as a herbal remedy.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Rễ hà thủ ô thường được dùng trong đông y. (The hà thủ ô root is often used in traditional Eastern medicine.)
  • Bà tôi hay uống trà hà thủ ô để đen tóc. (My grandmother often drinks hà thủ ô tea to darken her hair.)

Advanced Usage

• "Chế hà thủ ô": to process hà thủ ô (a specific preparation method, often involving steaming with black beans, to reduce potential toxicity and enhance its properties).
  • Hà thủ ô chế an toàn hơn để sử dụng lâu dài. (Processed hà thủ ô is safer for long-term use.)

Variants and Related Words

• Cây hà thủ ô: The hà thủ ô plant (referring to the whole plant).
  • Cây hà thủ ô là một loại dây leo. (The hà thủ ô plant is a type of climber.)
• Hà thủ ô đỏ: Red hà thủ ô (the most common and prized variety).
• Hà thủ ô trắng: White hà thủ ô (a different, less common plant with a similar name, ).

Synonyms

• Củ hà thủ ô: hà thủ ô tuber/root (a more specific term).
• Fallopia multiflora / Polygonum multiflorum: The scientific names.

Related Idioms and Phrases

(This specific term is a botanical/herbal name and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Its usage is primarily literal.)

1. Multiflorous knootweed