He Shou Wu for Hair Loss & Grey Hair in Chinese Medicine

Throughout Asia, the herbal remedy known as he shou wu has been used for centuries to treat premature hair loss in both men and women.

Taking he shou wu for hair growth is traditionally believed to both prevent greying and slow the rate of hair loss among elderly individuals.

The name of this supplement translates literally to “Mr. He’s black hair” and is so-named after a mythical character who supposedly lived to 160 with dark, black hair after being rejuvenated by taking this supplement.

The he shou wu herb is also supposed to reduce signs of aging, improve sexual vigor and promote energy.

He shou wu is the Chinese name for a supplement derived from the plant Polygonum multiflorum. It is also known as fo ti tieng, fo ti and Chinese knotweed, among its many names. P. multiflorum is a vine native to central and southern China, but is now cultivated in a variety of different locales.

The herb has been used in traditional medicine systems throughout Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan and China for centuries. In traditional Chinese medicine he shou wu is a common tonic prized for its rejuvenating and revitalizing properties.

It is used for age-related premature hair loss, greying, male and female infertility and to encourage good health and long life.

Fo Ti (He Shou Wu)

Herbal Supplement

Anti- Aging

Sex Drive

Blood Tonic

How It Works:

• Anti-aging herb used in Chinese medicine
• Stimulates the libido & adrenal function
• Exhibits antioxidant & neuroprotective effects

Dosage:

Between 500 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Unsafe

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He Shou Wu for Hair Loss and Grey Hair

He shou wu is growing in popularity outside of Asia.

It is often used for premature hair loss and to return hair to its youthful color. Scientific study of he shou wu is limited and insufficient evidence exists to attribute the plant with any specific therapeutic use.

Advocates claim it provides a number of health benefits, including:

• Acting against the formation and growth of cancer cells;
• Lowering cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may help reduce risk factors associated with developing heart disease;
• Reducing memory loss and other degenerative mental conditions related to aging;
• Stabilizing blood glucose levels, which may help alleviate some symptoms of type II diabetes;
• Improving libido and sexual performance;
• Increasing muscle mass and athletic endurance.

Scientific research on the therapeutic effects of he shou wu is limited and there is not enough evidence to support any particular medicinal use of fo ti.

How Does He Shou Wu Work?

Practitioners of traditional Chinese herbal medicine believe hair growth can be encouraged by stimulating liver and kidney detoxification and by improving circulation. This approach is also thought to help hair regain its pigment.

Treating the whole bodily system instead of only the scalp or hair follicles is reflective of the holistic approach of traditional herbal medicine.

He shou wu is considered an effective treatment of age-related hair loss because the herb is thought to gently cleanse and liver and kidneys while supporting body-wide detoxification. Improved detoxification enhances human health on a number of levels, and is thought to encourage healthier hair follicles.

He shou wu has also been observed to cause vasodilation (the widening of blood vessels) and relaxation of the heart and other vital organs. These effects are suspected to support circulation and blood delivery.

The resulting improvement in circulatory efficiency is known to bring about health benefits, such as strengthening and supporting healthy hair.

Taking He shou wu for hair loss and greying is also said to work by naturally slowing signs of the aging process. It is thought to help ward off the physical effects of aging by enhancing the body’s natural use of hormones, such as estrogen, testosterone, cortisol and human growth hormone.

Healthy levels of these hormones are also thought to play a role in hair growth and pigmentation.

Anti-Aging Effects of He Shou Wu

Fo ti tieng is known to contain significant amounts of superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD is an antioxidant that works to neutralize free radicals, which, if left unchecked, can cause cellular damage and premature aging.

One of the body’s most prevalent free radical is called superoxide and superoxide dismutase is known to neutralize it. When SOD enters the bloodstream, it travels throughout the body and neutralizes superoxide free radicals. Neutralized, the free radicals are prevented from causing cellular damage.

Herbal Combinations for Hair Loss

Although he shou wu has been used independently as a treatment for hair loss, it is believed to be more effective when combined with other Chinese herbs, including:

• Dang Gui
• Sesame
• Ligustrum
• Drynaria

He Shou Wu Negative Effects

In most cases, the only side effects experienced from he shou wu supplementation are upset stomach and diarrhea. In its raw (“unprepared”) form, Polygonum multiflorum is a potent laxative. The “prepared” form of P. multiflorum, (he shou wu) has been slowly condensed in a black bean stew.

Ten parts P. multiflorum are used per one part of black beans. The mixture is reduced and the roots are extracted, dried and cured. This preparation process brings out the medicinal features of the roots while diminishing its laxative properties. Prepared P. multiflorum root should be used unless otherwise specified.

Anecdotally, he shou wu is commonly used  without reports of severe side effects. However, contemporary studies of fo ti have linked its use with cases of liver damage. Although the side effects of fo ti may be unclear, it is known to interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

He shou wu has been observed to affect the liver and may alter the organ’s ability to metabolize certain compounds. This may alter the efficacy of some drugs and heighten their side effects. Additionally, improper supplementation has been known to result in severe liver disorders and damages.

Be sure to speak with your doctor before taking he shou wu for hair loss or any other indication to make sure the supplement is safe for you.

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