Long ago, Mr. He became lost in the forest where he ate only the root of a common vine. Years later, when he was reunited with his tribe, those who found him were astonished. The old man's hair had turned from white to black.
Today, the root he ate bears his name, He Shou Wu (Old Mr. He) . In the West this root is known as polygoni multiflori or FoTi.
Today, modern day doctors of Oriental Medicine use this herb to strengthen the blood and the Jing in order to treat alopecia, prevent premature hair loss or greying, and to regulate excessive aging.
Dr. Shen's Shou Wu Pill contains only five years old or older, export grade (the highest) He Shou Wu (90%). Small amounts (5%) of premium Poria are added to enhance digestability and absorbtion. Chuanxiong (5%) is added as a messenger herb, to invigorate the He Shou Wu and direct the action of the formula upward to the head.
INDICATIONS FOR USE
Thinning or prematurely grey hair.
Dry, brittle, or damaged hair, excessive aging
COURSE OF USE:
3 or more weeks.
TRADITIONAL SERVING
Take as a daily supplement, one to four tablets,
two to three times a day, or as prescribed.
THE HERBS
Their Traditional Functions and Major Constituents
Fleece Flower Root - Polygoni Multiflori - He Shou Wu
Strengthens the Liver and Kidneys,Benefits the Hair, Nourishes the Blood, Benefits and Retains the Essence, Detoxifies Fire Poison, Moistens the Intestines, Expells Wind from the Skin.
chrysophanic acid, emodin, rhein, chrysophonic acid anthrone, lecithin
Szechuan Lovage - Ligusticum Wallichi - Chuan Xiong
Invigorates the Blood, Promotes the Circulation of Qi, Expels Wind, Moves the QiUpward
alkaloids, phenols, lactones, ferulic acid
Hoelen Mushroom - Poria Cocos Sclerotum - Fu Ling
Quiets the Heart, Calms the Spirit, Harmonizes the Middle, Strengthens Stomach/Spleen
B-pachyman, tumulosic acid, 3B-hydtoxylanosta-7, chitin, protein, lecithin
Healthy hair depends on an abundant flow of qi and blood to the scalp and hair roots. If this nourishing flow is comprimised, the hair will suffer.
Diminished nourishment is most usually caused by:
Blood Deficiency (Blood vacuity)
Blood is made through the digestive process, and blood deficiency can be caused by dietary, or digestive insuficiencies. If the blood lacks nourishing components the best remedy is He Shou Wu, also known as Fo Ti, or polygani multiflori, or fleeceflower root.
Constrained flow (Qi stagnation)
Stress and emotional constraint can restrict the flow of qi and blood in the chest, neck, shoulders, face and head. Massage, meditation, and relaxation techniques can help restore this flow. Free & Easy Pills can also help relieve constraint.
Patency of the vessels
The size, diameter, and health of the tiny blood vessels that conduct nourishment to the hair can also play a part. Genetic factors as well as acquired factors can weaken the patency of the vessels making these capillaries fragile or narrow.
Premature greying is caused by a deficiency of Jing, also known as Essence.
Jing effects the course of reproduction, maturation and aging. When jing is weak, you age rapidly. If jing is restored, you will become vital and mature slowly.
Several herbs are considered jing tonics. Among them, He Shou Wu, is thought to be best at restoring hair color and reducing hair loss.
