Shouwu (fleece-flower root) is a common reinforcing herb for the kidneys

With twisting stems and big root tuber, he shouwu (fleece-flower root) is a common reinforcing herb for the kidneys.

Shouwu literally means black head in Chinese, and the name he shouwu originated from an old man surnamed He, who hair turned from white to black after eating the herb.

The old man was born weak and looked older than his age because of his white hair. He discovered a herb whose stems kept twisting and departing one night. Amazed, he dug it out and brought it home. Though nobody knew what it was, a friend suggested he eat it. After He ground it up and ate it for weeks, he felt stronger. A year later, his hair was all black again. News about the "magic" herb spread widely.

He shou wu is a mildly "warm" herb in TCM that travels through the kidney meridian. It generally helps nourish blood and yin energy, relieves problems related with insufficient yin in the liver and kidney such as early whitened hair, sleeplessness and joint aches. It is also helpful in aiding bowel movements and detoxification. And it is also commonly prescribed for reducing blood fat, relieving hardened arteries and anti-aging. Click to learn Alopecia Areata in TCM.

Prescriptions & Usage:
Black sesame, yam and fleece-flower root powder

Grind dry black sesame (250g), yam (250g), fleece-flower root (250g) into powder. Put 25g of mixture in saucepan and cook with warm water into paste. Eat twice a day.

Benefits: Helps spleen and kidney, nourishes blood and treats pale complexion, dizzy spells, aching joints.

Fleece flower root and chicken
Grind 30g fleece flower root into powder and wrap in gauze. Put the wrapped powder in chicken's cavity. Cook hen in earthen pot with water. Remove powder, add salt, ginger, yellow wine and simmer.

Drink the soup and eat the chicken.
Benefits: Relieves problems caused by insufficient blood and deficient yin in liver.