He Shou Wu's therapeutic uses
He Shou Wu, also known as fo-ti, is a natural plant product traditionally used in Chinese medicine, primarily recognized for its proposed anti-aging benefits. The herb is associated with various health claims, including support for hair health, prevention of graying, and enhancement of vitality, as well as potential benefits for conditions such as heart disease, high cholesterol, and insomnia. The name "He Shou Wu" translates to "Black-haired Mr. He," referencing a legendary figure who allegedly regained his youth and vigor through its use.
He Shou Wu is available in two forms: raw (white) fo-ti and processed (red) fo-ti, with the latter often claimed to be more effective for general health benefits, while the raw form may be more effective for constipation. Despite its popularity, the scientific evidence supporting these therapeutic uses remains limited, with most studies conducted on animals or in laboratory settings rather than extensive human trials. Some promising properties of He Shou Wu include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-diabetic effects; however, further research is necessary to validate these claims.
Safety concerns have not been thoroughly investigated, and while mild side effects like diarrhea may occur, the long-term safety of He Shou Wu—especially in vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women—has not been established. Users should be mindful of possible adverse effects and the quality of herbal products, as contamination and poor quality control have been reported in some cases.
He Shou Wu's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USES: None
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Aging, constipation, enhancing mental function, graying hair, heart disease prevention, high cholesterol, immune support, insomnia, hair growth, liver disease, kidney disease
Overview
The name of this herb, He Shou Wu, means “Black-haired Mr. He,” which refers to an ancient story of a Mr. He who restored his vitality, sexual potency, and youthful appearance by taking the herb now named for him. He Shou Wu is widely used in China to restore black hair and other signs of youth.
Traditional Chinese herbal medicine ordinarily recommends using herbs in complex formulas, but He Shou Wu is often taken as a single herb. He Shou Wu is often called fo-ti; pure unprocessed root is named white fo-ti, while herb boiled in black-bean liquid according to a traditional process is called red fo-ti. The two forms are said to have somewhat different properties.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dose of He Shou Wu is 3 grams of the raw herb three times daily, or according to the label for processed extracts. For most purposes, the processed or “red” fo-ti is said to be superior. However, the raw herb is said to be more effective for constipation.
Therapeutic Uses
He Shou Wu is widely marketed today as a general anti-aging herb. It is said to reduce cholesterol, prevent heart disease, prevent age-related loss of mental function, improve sleep, and extend life span. He Shou Wu is believed to provide anti-aging skin benefits, such as reducing wrinkles and preventing gray hair. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are believed to contribute to these benefits. He Shou Wu is also believed to contribute to hair health and pigmentation. However, the evidence supporting these proposed uses is far too preliminary to indicate their effectiveness. Animal and laboratory studies appear to confirm these results, but more human study is needed.
He Shou Wu is reputed to strengthen immunity. However, one constituent of the herb, emodin, has shown some promise as an immune system suppressant.
He Shou Wu has shown anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antitumor qualities that may effectively treat various illnesses. However, extensive human studies of He Shou Wu have yet to be undertaken. While preliminary human studies of He Shou Wu for cholesterol, hair health, and immunity have shown benefits, larger studies are necessary to confirm the results. Lab research has also looked into He Shou Wu’s effectiveness in treating heart disease.
Finally, He Shou Wu has a traditional reputation as a mild laxative. In support of this, it has been pointed out that emodin belongs to a family of chemicals called anthraquinones; other members of this family act as laxatives. However, animal research has failed to find any evidence that emodin itself has a laxative effect.
Safety Issues
Detailed modern safety studies have not been performed on this herb. Immediate side effects are infrequent, primarily limited to mild diarrhea and the rare allergic reaction. Safety for young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe kidney or liver disease has not been established.
Case reports relate use of a popular He Shou Wu product to liver inflammation. However, it is not clear whether the He Shou Wu herb itself was responsible; Asian herbal preparations of this type have frequently been found to contain unlisted toxic ingredients, either due to poor quality control or deliberate adulteration.
Bibliography
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"Plant Profile: Ho Shou Wu." Integrative Family Medicine of Asheville, www.integrativeasheville.org/plant-profile-ho-shou-wu-polygonum-multiflorum. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.
West, Helen. "He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti): Benefits, Dosage, and Side Effects." Healthline, 14 Jan. 2019, www.healthline.com/nutrition/he-shou-wu. Accessed 20 Sept. 2024.