He shou wu is a well known rejuvenating tonic that has been used in China for thousands of years for longevity and anti-aging use.
He shou wu (Fallopia multiflora, Ho shou wu, Fo ti, 何首乌) is a plant native to China. The root of Ho shou wu is used as medicine.
According to the texts of traditional Chinese medicine, He Shou Wu nourishes liver and kidney, tonifies blood, increases sex drive and turns graying hair to black. It is often used in the anti-aging formulas for longevity.
Modern studies on He shou wu
Modern studies have shown that, He shou wu is a rich source of zinc. Zinc is a very important mineral required by our body, and plays important roles in the immune, neurological, and reproduction systems. Zinc is an essential ingredient for body’s growth and development, and for the health of sexual and reproductive functions. Ho shou wu enhances sexual drive, strengthens sperm, increases sperm count, improves adrenal gland functioning, stabilizes the lower back and knees, and maintains the youthful conditions of skin and hair.
In laboratory studies, the animals had He shou wu in their diets lived longer than the group of the control animals.
The tuberous root of He Shou Wu contains many active constituents. It is rich in anthraquinones, including many phospholipids. He Shou Wu has very powerful antioxidant activity. He Shou Wu contains many stilbene glycosides, which are very similar to resveratrol, an antiaging biomolecule. Several of the stilbene glycosides in He Shou Wu have stronger antioxidant activity than resveratrol.
According to a laboratory study published in 1985, He Shou Wu showed the effects to promote strong development and prolonged growing cycle in mammalian cells, compared to cells in the control group, which demonstrated aging and degeneration.
Several studies conducted in China have shown that the mice had the extended consumption of He Shou Wu had significantly lower lipid peroxidation level in the heart, brain, liver and blood.
Another study published in 1989 showed that a large dose consumption of He Shou Wu suppressed lipid peroxidation by 95% with no side effects.
He Shou Wu is used as a liver-blood tonic in traditional Chinese medicine. Many modern studies have confirmed that He Shou Wu has liver-regulating properties. In laboratory studies, He Shou Wu has shown the effects to reduce buildup of hepatic (liver) fat on animals, reduce the enlargement of the liver caused by carbon tetrachloride poisoning, and counter the liver damage caused by peroxidized (spoiled) corn oil. In vitro studies, He Shou Wu has demonstrated to inhibit the lipid peroxidation of rat liver microsomes induced by ADP and NADPH.
How to use He Shou Wu
When using He Shou Wu, you should know that, the prepared He Shou Wu and the unprepared He Shou Wu are different. The prepared He Shou Wu is used as a tonic for liver-blood, sex drive and anti-aging treatment While the unprepared He Shou Wu is used for detoxification and treating constipation. The unprepared He Shou Wu has no tonic effects.
The preparation of He Shou Wu in traditional Chinese medicine is: mix unprepared He Shou Wu, black bean soup and alcohol, put them in a pot, and stew until the soup is exhausted. Then dried in sun.
Traditionally, He Shou Wu is used alone or combined in the herbal formulas. For liver-blood tonification, the prepared He Shou Wu and Dang Gui (Dong Quai) are used to make a tincture.
He Shou Wu and Dang Gui Tincture:
– Prepared He Shou Wu 50g
– Dang Gui 50g
– Grain alcohol 500ml
– Soak the herbs in the alcohol
– Leave for 1-2 months
– Drink 20ml, 1-2 times a day
– This remedy is used for tonifying liver blood
He Shou Wu and Chicken Soup:
– Prepared He Shou Wu 30g
– Chicken 500g (Cut into 1-inch pieces)
– Fresh ginger 2 slices
– Salt 1/2-1 teaspoon (according to taste)
– Wine 1 tablespoon
– Water 6-8 cups
– Put them in a pot
– Bring to a boil and simmer for 60 minutes
– Consume a bowl, once a day
– This remedy is used for blood deficiency, treating insomnia, rectal prolapse and uterine prolapse caused by the Ying deficiency of liver and kidney
There are many He Shou Wu supplements in the health supplement market. Follow the instructions of the products when using it, and consult your doctor before using it.
For more information about natural remedies for aging, go to Natural Remedies Center: http://www.naturalremediescenter.com/treat/aging/
References
- Shu-Ming Hou, et al. Chinese Medicine News, 1985, (4) : 25
- Hui-Min Peng, et al. Chinese Medicine Pharmacology and Clinical Application, 1989, 5 (3) : 19
- Ti-Ren Shi, et al. Chinese Medicine Journal, 1989, 4 (2) :104
- Yoshiyuki Kimura, et al. Planta Med, 1983, 49 (1) : 51
