Herbal Thursday: He Shou Wu Extract, Timeless Herbal Tonic for Strength, Vitality, and Longevity
From root to remedy, He Shou Wu extract boosts energy, sharpens your mind, and restores your natural radiance.
For centuries, people have turned to He Shou Wu extract to boost energy, restore hair color, and support overall health. While probably better known as Fo-Ti, this powerful herb has deep roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and continues to gain attention for its potential health benefits.
What Is He Shou Wu?
He Shou Wu (also ho shou wu) is a root herb native to China. People have used it for thousands of years to increase vitality, slow aging, and support the kidneys and liver. According to legend, an old man named Mr. He regained his youth, black hair, and strength after regularly consuming this herb. Hence, the name. He Shou Wu means "Mr. He's black hair," stemming from it legendary use to treat and prevent prematurely graying hair and hair loss. (1)
Yet He Shou Wu extract supports the body in many other ways. This herb boasts powerful anti-aging properties, cognitive benefits, and reproductive health. Today, you can use He Shou Wu extract as a natural remedy for a variety of health issues.
The Top Health Benefits of He Shou Wu Extract
1. Supports Hair Growth and Restores Color
This may not be the most important health benefit of Fo-Ti, but it is one of the most visible. Yes, this extract can reduce gray hair and promote hair growth. In fact, using He Shou Wu for hair loss is probably its most famous and unique use. For graying hair, a well-functioning liver will help keep toxins low and support a healthy body overall, while this herb also improves the blood and circulation. (2)
In addition, studies on use of Fo-Ti show that actually applying the extract to your scalp improves hair fiber length and healthy hair follicles. (3)
Along with high antioxidant levels, this root herb contains zinc and iron, which play a role in hair health. Also thanks to He Shou Wu, the body may increase melanin production, the pigment that gives hair its natural color. (4)
2. Supports Reproductive Health
Poor Mr. He had other problems, too. Perhaps due to his lackluster hair, he had no love life and therefore no children. Until, of course, he discovered cured He Shou Wu. He Shou Wu extract works as a natural reproductive tonic by nourishing the reproductive system. It helps control and balance hormone production in order to keep the reproductive system strong, fertile, and youthful. This extract can also help women balance hormone levels during and after menopause. (5)
3. Supports Liver and Kidney Health
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, He Shou Wu is hailed as a powerful jing tonic herb, supporting the liver and kidneys. These organs help detoxify the body, cleanse the blood, and regulate hormones. Fo-Ti extract works by supporting and strengthening the function of the internal organs, to help expel toxins and free radicals from the body and prevent them from doing any damage. (6)
While recent research focuses on potential harm to the liver if you take raw He Shou Wu supplements, it’s important to note that it also has clear health benefits for the liver. Specifically, Fo-Ti stimulates liver cell regeneration, helping repair damage from toxins and poor diet. (7)
⚠️ Caution: While cured He Shou Wu extract supports liver health, excessive use of raw He Shou Wu has been linked to liver toxicity in rare cases. Always use processed He Shou Wu extract. It’s best as a Fo-Ti tincture. Also be sure to consult a health expert before taking it regularly. (8)
4. Boosts Energy and Longevity
Did you know that the kidneys are the energy batteries of your body? So boosting kidney health adds to your overall energy levels. And greater jing stores over a lifetime may translate to a longer, healthier life overall.
In addition to supporting the kidneys, this tonic herb functions as an adaptogen, helping the body manage stress and fatigue. He Shou Wu extract also contains potent antioxidants that may slow aging. An analysis of the root revealed several beneficial compounds that contribute to its anti-aging effects. (9)
Antioxidants support the mitochondria, too. These energy producers of the cells play a role in your lifespan, suggesting that herbs like He Shou Wu, which support mitochondrial health, could help you live a longer, healthier life. (10)
And mitochondrial support also benefits the brain!
5. Supports Brain Health and Memory
As a natural part of the human experience, our bodies experience stress. From metabolism, diet, and lifestyle choices, oxidative stress leads to chronic conditions. That includes cognitive decline. (11)
Researchers have found that this powerful herb not only reduces oxidative stress, but also promotes healthy blood flow to the brain. Better blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to meet demand. So you can maintain concentration and mental clarity. One study showed that Fo-Ti, combined with ginseng, improved cognitive function, promoted neurogenesis (the growth of new neurons), and enhanced angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels) in the brain. (12)
Also, a review in the Journal of Pharmacopuncture highlighted the powerful antioxidants stilbene and emodin in He Shou Wu. As you can imagine, these powerful antioxidants may lower the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, while at the same time acting as a natural brain booster. (13)
Caution: Use The Right Form
He Shou Wu extract is a very effective laxative that can actually cause diarrhea if too much is taken. Too much can also cause headaches, as well as numbness in the arms and legs. Those with liver disease may be hypersensitive to the herb and should watch for symptoms of jaundice, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, and weakness. Consuming extremely high doses, especially of the raw powder, can cause a skin rash in some users and liver damage in others. Also, He Shou Wu can increase estrogen levels, so if you have a medical condition for which this would be dangerous, avoid use. (14)
Final Thoughts
He Shou Wu extract is a powerful herb with deep roots in longevity, energy, and vitality. Scientific research backs many of its traditional uses. So if you’re looking for a natural way to boost your energy, protect your brain, and promote longevity, then this ancient herb could be the best addition to your daily routine.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Join the David Avocado Wolfe Substack Community
This is where transformation begins — are you ready to join us?
Wolfe University
Ready to go all-in? Experience the new Wolfe University with both free and paid courses, as well as the platform for David Wolfe's Inner Circle.
David Avocado Wolfe Links
David Wolfe Website: https://www.davidwolfe.com/
Wolfe University: https://university.davidwolfe.com/
David Wolfe Shops
US: https://shop.davidwolfe.com/
UK: https://davidwolfe.uk/
Our favorite Chocolate Factory is now located in Central Florida! Please visit Butler’s Raw Chocolates! 2400 South Hopkins Avenue, Unit E, Titusville, FL 32780
Butler’s Raw Chocolates: https://butlersrawchocolates.com/
Links on this page may be affiliate links; any proceeds support the work of David Avocado Wolfe.