He Shou Wu, also named as Radix Polygoni Multiflori (Heshouwu), is a medicinal herb which grows in the form of a vine. He Shou Wu is native to China and some parts of Japan. In the west, it is also known as Fo Ti. He Shou Wu is said to have many health benefits and has become quite popular all over the world. He Shou Wu is the name of the man after whom the herb was named. 

He Shou Wu is perhaps best known as an herb that promotes longevity and helps retain a youthful appearance. He Shou Wu is especially useful in preventing hair loss and graying of hair.

There is a Chinese legend that speaks of a man who was of a feeble constitution. The man drank a lot and suffered from impotency. Because of this, he never got married. He had become fifty eight years old and his hair had almost turned white. One day, the man went up into the mountains and fell asleep somewhere, as he was drunk. When he woke up, he saw a strange vine. He decided to dig up the wine and take it home.

A sage told him that this was a celestial gift and would perhaps make him strong and potent.  The man ate the root of the vine and started to feel rejuvenated in just seven days. He continued eating the powdered root every morning and in the next few months he became incredibly strong and started having frequent and powerful sexual urges. His hair became jet black again. He got married and fathered several sons. His sons also consumed the herb and they too were very healthy and strong. One of the sons had a son who then became the head of the family. His name was He Shou Wu. It means ‘Mr. He with black hair’ – He Shou Wu had jet black hair even when he was 130 years old.

He Shou Wu is also known as fleece flower. It is a potent anti-aging herb and increases fertility and sexual drive. It also helps to revitalize the important organs like the kidneys and the liver. It is an anti oxidant and cleanses the body of impurities. Many clinical studies have been undertaken to confirm the medicinal uses of He Shou Wu.

He Shou Wu has been much praised in traditional Chinese cultures for its ability to improve sexual performance and retain youth. Today, it is available worldwide as a health supplement and is said to have countless health benefits.

Numerous clinical studies have been conducted to study the medicinal properties. After extensive research, the studies conclude that He Shou Wu is beneficial to boost the immune system. It also improves blood circulation and thus results in an increased libido. It is an anti oxidant and thus gets rid of free radicals in the body. He Shou Wu fortifies the vital organs like the kidneys and the blood. These organs then cleanse the blood of its impurities and ultimately help the body to get rid of toxic substances.

He Shou Wu has high content of Iron. It is also rich in zinc. It boosts the immune system and increases the energy levels of the body. A Chinese man named Li Cheng Yuen is said to have lived 256 years through the consumption of various Chinese herbs including He Shou Wu. Though Fo Ti increases the energy levels of the body, it is not a stimulant. On the contrary, it is slightly sedative and is said to have a calming effect on the nervous system of the body. He Shou Wu helps in reducing high blood pressure. It also can help lower inflammations on the liver and helps it function normally.

He Shou Wu is adaptogenic. This means that it adapts to the needs of the human body. If there is any imbalance in the body, then he Shou Wu works to sort out the imbalance and brings the body back to the ‘normal’ or the ‘ideal’ state. Studies show the herb has almost ninety percent success in reduction of grey hair and improving the quality of hair. As such, no serious side effects of He Shou Wou have been noticed – but still it is better to consult your general physician before the consumption of any herbal medicine including He Shou Wu.