You may have heard of He Shou Wu (aka Fo-Ti) before, because it has been made famous by its anti-aging properties, and ability to help eliminate grey hair. Let’s delve a little deeper into the history and health benefits of this potent root extract powder. Prepare to recharge and glow!
Let’s start by looking at some of its incredible health benefits:
- Revitalises the Body
- Help Reverse Grey Hair
- Restores Natural Hair Color
- Strengthens Immunity
- Builds Sexual Vitality
- Recharges Adrenals
- Induces Bliss
Historical Origins
Traditionally used for thousands of years, it is one of the most prized herbs in Chinese medicine. There is a beautiful, ancient tale accompanying this mysterious root, which goes along these lines:
“As a young man, Mr. He learns that he is unable to have children. With no family to raise, He considers himself a failure, and depression drives him to alcoholism. He ages quickly, his hair greys early, his vision and hearing reduces, and he weakens. By his mid-50s, Mr. He stumbles home drunk most nights, but one evening he is so intoxicated that he can’t quite make it to his bed. So, he wakes up in a field the next morning, and sees two vines entwined above his head. He interprets this as a sign, that the intertwining vines signify a loving couple. He digs up the root and shows it to everyone in the village, but no one knows what it is.
A local monk advises He to eat the root, claiming that it will restore his fertility to him. With nothing to lose, He gives it a try; and after a few weeks of taking the root each day, his health problems vanish and his youthful vigour returns! He marries a local widow and they have 19 children. His hair turns black and stays that way until his death at 160 years old.”
While we must assume that at least part of this ancient tale is fiction, the fact is that for thousands of years the Chinese have looked to the root of Mr. He’s vine to treat infertility, weakness, grey hair, and other symptoms associated with premature aging. He Shou Wu belongs to a class of Chinese herbs that provides deep and lasting energy and strength.
One of the most recent testimonials of the power of He Shou Wu is a man named Li Chung Yuen who lived for 252 years! He passed away in 1933 and credited his longevity to a daily herbal regimen of Lycium berries, Ginseng and He Shou Wu, as well as a practice of Tai Chi.
What Is It?
Polygonum Multiflorum is the botanical name for this prolific vine. It has heart-shaped leaves and is also known by the names Chinese knotweed, Fo-Ti and Fleeceflower. The red tinted roots of the plant are usually boiled with black beans, as this increases the root’s medicinal benefits. It is understood that the older the plant, the more powerful its healing properties. However, it is very rare to find plants older than two to three years now, which is part of why it is boiled with black beans.
Why Longevity Power?
We chose to partner with Longevity Power because their Organic He Shou Wu roots are prepared by being boiled with organic non-GMO black beans to increase their medicinal effects, and then full spectrum extracted in pure hot water. They remove the fibre and concentrate the active compounds to create a soft powder with a malty, rooty, chocolate-like taste that lends itself to any life-promoting smoothie or elixir that you mix it in.
Health Benefits
He Shou Wu is a mood-lifting, nerve calming, power restoring adaptogen. He Shou Wu actually means ‘Old Black-Haired Mr He’! There have been a number of scientific studies done on it, you can read more about them here. Let’s take a closer look at two of its health benefits:
Longevity
Can you really increase your lifespan by taking He Shou Wu? Several scientific studies found that He Shou Wu stimulates the body to produce superoxide dismutase, which is the most potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger found in the human body! Numerous studies found a correlation between superoxide dismutase and an extended lifespan. This antioxidant also inhibits the MAO-B enzymes, a family of enzymes which binds to the outer membrane of mitochondria. This process combats oxidative stress and has been shown to result in powerful health benefits and life-extension.
Hair Regenerator
While He Shou Wu can return your hair to its original colour, it depends on why your hair is greying prematurely. There are a number of reasons behind premature greying, one reason can be a blood deficiency, where the hair becomes malnourished. If your greying hair does not come from an issue in the blood, He Shou Wu will not help you in this area. What it does do well is tonify the blood, which increases blood circulation, the stimulation of red blood cells and nourishes the liver and kidneys. All of this can create a revitalisation in your hair, just check with a qualified Practitioner to see if He Shou Wu is a good herbal choice for you.
How To Take He Shou Wu?
We recommend you start with less and slowly build up your dosage. Take it consistently and take a week off every 3 months. You can begin with ¼ of a teaspoon 1-3 times a day, and progress up to 2 teaspoons. Do not take large doses before operating a vehicle or heavy machinery due to strong bliss-inducing effects which may impair your ability to be safe!
You can mix in it with pure water or combine it into shakes, elixirs, juices, milks, soups, healthy desserts and chocolate. Glow combines together perfectly with other Longevity Power products. Live long and strong!
Health disclaimer
This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.
The opinions and views expressed on this blog and website have no relation to those of any academic, hospital, health practice or other institution.