He Shou Wu (Prepared Fo-Ti Root)
制何首乌 · Zhì Héshǒuwū
Polygonum multiflorum (processed)
Nature
Saveur
Meridian
Liver, Heart, Kidney
Named after the Ming general said to have regained his black hair and vigor from its root, prepared He Shou Wu is the great blood-and-essence tonic for graying hair and depleted jing. Only the properly processed (zhi) root tonifies — raw (sheng) instead resolves toxins and moistens the bowels. Our roots follow the nine-steam-nine-dry tradition.
🌿 Fonctions
- •Nourishes liver and kidney essence
- •Benefits the blood and darkens hair (traditional)
- •Strengthens sinews and bones
📖 Usage
6–12 g in decoction; long-simmered in soups and herbal wines.
🔬 Recherche moderne
Stilbene glucosides (2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-glucoside) are studied for hair-pigment, lipid, and neuroprotective effects, alongside safety research underscoring proper processing.
⚠️ Contre-indications
Important: rare cases of liver injury have been reported with raw or improperly processed fo-ti. Use only properly processed root, at moderate doses, avoiding long-term continuous use; avoid with existing liver conditions. Avoid with diarrhea.
