Polygonum multiflorum (Polygonum multiflorum) and sliced cooked roots at right.
An example of a raw He Shou Wu root. Roots can vary greatly in size, shape, and surface appearance.
Polygonum multiflorum (English: He Shou Wu, Ho Shou Wu, Fo Ti, Polygonum multiflorum, Fallopia multiflora. Chinese mountain worm, Fo Ti, Fallopia multiflora) is a plant of the buckwheat family (Polygonaceae).
It is used extensively in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
The plant is known chiefly as a remedy for nourishing the kidneys, blood, as well as for removing graying and improving hair growth.
There is a well-known legend associated with the plant that gives it its name. He Shou Wu translates as "Mr. Ho's Black Hair"
The name comes from the legend of Mr. Ho, who was 58 years old and unable to have children. A monk advised him to eat a root picked in the mountains, which Ho did, and did so regularly. Some time afterwards, Mr. Ho became able to have several children, his hair turned from gray to black, his eyesight improved and his body rejuvenated. He lived until he was 130 years old (some say 160), still with black hair. After that, the plant became known as "Mr. Ho's Black Hair" (Shou - head, Wu - black). Ho's son was also known to live to be 130 years old.
Fresh roots have a light, beige color and are hardly used. Mostly used cooked roots which are brown or red-brown in color.
To prepare, the roots are boiled in a solution of black soybeans for a long time until all the liquid is absorbed or evaporates. These roots are also called prepared Fo Ti or red Fo Ti.
After boiling, the roots turn a red-brown color.
Other names.
Sheng He Shou Wu - raw Ho Shou Wu, and also - white Ho Shou Wu. It is not a tonic. It has a laxative effect. Used as a remedy for malaria.
Zhi He Shou Wu - Cooked Ho Shou Wu. More commonly spelled "He Shou Wu" or "Shou Wu".
Leaf shape.
The upper part of the plant.
The upper part of the plant.
An example of a raw root.
Sliced raw but not dried root.
Raw dried root.
He shou wu premium quality roots. Quality is determined by the size of the root, its density (heaviness) and hardness.
Application
Peter Ragnar on Kidney Health and He Shou Wu. Peter suggests using dandelion, parsley, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice in the diet and consuming He Shou Wu for kidney health. He Shou Wu for longevity with Peter Ragnar. Peter Ragnar
Host JingHerbs recommends combining He Shou Wu with dogwood for kidney health. The Legend of He Shou Wu Chinese Tonic Herb by JingHerbs
He Shou Wu is traditionally used in anti-age medicine. It is believed that He shou wu can increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in the body, which helps protect cells from peroxide oxidation. By increasing SOD levels, He shu wu increases cell longevity. In recipes to increase longevity, it is used together with ginseng and goji berries.
It is used for blood deficiency with dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia and premature graying of hair.
It is also used for "Yin" deficiency: weakness and pain in the lower back and knees, pain in the extremities, nocturnal intercourse and insomnia.
He shou wu is also known for increasing libido and fertility in both men and women.
He shou wu is a good source of iron and contains zinc.
Its main functions are to nourish the blood, kidneys and liver.
Premature graying of hair. By nourishing the kidneys and liver, He shu wu promotes blood flow to the scalp and the production of melanin by hair follicles, which gives the hair a brighter color, removes graying and enhances its growth.
He shou wu can be used in sports as a mild tonic to improve blood quality and improve kidney function.
It has no stimulant but a mild sedative effect, so it should not be taken as a pre-training complex. However, it is an energizing tonic that has a long-lasting and cumulative effect.
