He-Shou-Wu
Fo-Ti Polygonum multiflorum
1:3 Ethanol/Distilled H2O tincture of organic, dried black bean prepared He-Shou-Wu, with purified salt principle added.
Planetary Ruler: Jupiter
Physical Effects*:
He-Shou-Wu is one of the top TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) herbs for longevity and building jing – rivalled perhaps only by Goji berries. It is arguably the top herb for nourishing kidney yin, and the plant concentrates huge amounts of Qi (lifeforce energy) in its roots – which have been used in this preparation.
It tonifies and protects the liver, cleanses and nourishes the bloodstream, being high in iron and lecithin which help to increase haemoglobin and red blood cell production.
Fo-Ti has been used for centuries to reduces oxidative stress induced hair loss, regrow hair and even enable pigment to return the hair (it’s name literally means ‘black haired Mr He’).
The stilbene glycosides found within it boost potential anti-aging anti-oxidants, such as SOD and glutathione peroxidase - principle compounds in anti-oxidant defence mechanisms. Fo-Ti also contains high amounts of zinc which enable the production of certain anti-oxidants such as SOD. Zinc is also a critical mineral in maintaining reproductive health and fertility, the high concetratoins within the plant being part of the reason it can increase sperm count, ova health and general libido for both men and women. THSG is a stilbene glycoside found in Fo-Ti that is similar to resveratrol, that plays a significant role in delaying senescence (aging), especially in the cardiovascular and nervous system, it also holds neuroprotective effects that are useful in treating neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s where oxidative neuronal death is occouring. He-Shou-Wu can also enhance learning and memory; maintain bone and joint structure; build and retain muscle mass; prevent heart disease; ameliorate cancers and bacteria; strengthen the lower back and knees; calm the nervous system; and even maintain eye health. Whilst He-Shou-Wu is not a stimulant and can even have a slight sedative effect (dose and consumer dependent) – it is one of the most powerful energy tonics known to humankind!
*Before purchase please see full disclaimer at bottom of page - statements and products not approved by TGA.
Emotional/Spiritual Properties*:
Considering its incredible range and potency of physical effects, need one say anything about it’s spiritual properties?…. We will though… He-Shou-Wu is an undeniably Jupitarian herb in its ability to enable longevity and act as a channel for the abundant fertility of the Earth. Thus, it is indicated for those who live very strenuous, overactive, or stressful lives constantly striving and sometimes doing so in a way where they lose sight of the higher purpose. This is a classic interplay between Mars and Jupiter, where the fiery heat of Mars the doing warrior cooks out the unctuous, deeper, richer warmth of Jupiter the easy-going benefic. Taking He-Shou-Wu enables one to recline back into their personal seat of power, drawing one back to the present moment, gifting one the birds-eye-view to see future objectives whilst also releasing fears about failing to ‘get there’. He-Shou-Wu helps one to crack the knowing smile, that both sees and says ‘all is good’. The deeply nourishing qualities of the plant help one to settle in for the long haul, and build a life that is constantly increasing in meaning, depth and qualities of overflowing abundance – just as its large chunky roots pull in and concentrate rich minerals, which then allow its bright, leafy vines to spread far and wide, overflowing amongst its habitat…
Cautions/Contraindications:
-Can mimic estrogen in some people, so be cautious if you have a health condition linked to increased amounts of estrogen, such as breast cancer.
-He-Shou-Wu may slow the metabolization of medications changed and broken down by the liver such as: omeprazole (Prilosec), lansoprazole (Prevacid), and pantoprazole (Protonix); diazepam (Valium); carisoprodol (Soma); nelfinavir (Viracept); Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others); diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin), meloxicam (Mobic), and piroxicam (Feldene); celecoxib (Celebrex); amitriptyline (Elavil); warfarin (Coumadin); glipizide (Glucotrol); losartan (Cozaar).
-He-Shou-Wu may lower blood sugar, thus people on diabetic medications should use with caution or consult with their doctor.-Warfarin – May cause blood in the stool in conjuction with high doses of He-Shou-Wu.
