He Shou Wu - An Herb With Anti-Aging Benefits
Chinese Doctors Have Used This Rejuvenating Herb to Restore Vitality
Sep 7, 2009
The plant Polygonium multiflorium, or He Shou Wu, has been used in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Chinese doctors use the root in herbal preparations for people lacking vitality and balanced qi, or energy flow. The root has chemical compounds similar in nature to the famed anti-aging supplement resveratrol.
History and Cultivation
The Chinese refer to Polygonium multiflorium as He Shou Wu after a legend about a Mr. He. Mr. He was an elderly man whose vitality was restored to him after living off of the root of Polygonium multiflorium for many months. Though Mr. He’s story is a legend, there is evidence that this root can help in a variety of health issues centered around aging.
Written evidence of the use of He Shou Wu for medical purposes dates back to 730 AD and it remains one of the most commonly used herbs in China today. It grows in central and southern China. The older and larger roots are considered to be more potent and highly valuable but these are rare and very costly. The roots used in commercial products are typically from plants that are three or four years old.
Anti-Aging and Balancing Effects of He Shou Wu
He Shou Wu is more commonly known for its restorative effects on graying hair, hair loss, alopecia and premature aging. It is thought to be helpful as an anti-aging herb due to its nourishing effect on the blood. In Traditional Chinese Medicine weak blood, or blood deficiency, refers to the lack of circulatory nutrients that are supposed to be feeding the tissues of the body. Blood deficiency can cause a host of symptoms including physical weakness. When certain areas of the body become malnourished due to weak blood, degradation and aging can occur. He Shou Wu improves the blood by acting as a liver and kidney tonic.
Research is being conducted on the effects that He Shou Wu may have on lowering raised cholesterol levels, treating malaria and strains of tuberculosis as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It is also being used as a fertility booster.
He Shou Wu With Other Herbs
He Shou Wu is sometimes combined with other herbs that help to strengthen its actions and direct it to certain parts of the body. Though it is sometimes called Fo-Ti, He Shou Wu should not be mistaken with herbal formulas also called Fo-Ti. The ingredients should be checked to make certain that He Shou Wu is included in the herbal combination.
Warnings and Considerations
Though He Shou Wu is considered to be a very safe herb, rare cases of reactions have been reported. The mildest reaction is diarrhea but in very rare circumstances liver reactions have occurred. For those who have had any liver complaints He Shou Wu is often not recommended. It is wise to take this herb under the supervision of a qualified doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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