Shou Wu is or
POLYGONUM MULTIFLORUM is a traditional Chinese herbal supplement that has
been used for gray hair and hair loss for hundreds of years.
This supplement works from the inside out. Chinese medical theories
believe that your hair's condition is an indication of your body's
internal system. Weaknesses in a person's kidney and liver tend to
manifest into symptoms such as hair loss and premature gray hair. Such
conditions can be corrected by replenishing the nutrients that are
necessary to revitalize our kidneys and livers.
In North America or
Europe, this herb may be known as POLYGONUM MULTIFLORUM or RADIX POLYGONI
MULTIFLORI.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, SHOU-WU or sometimes called He-Shou-Wu
is an essential dietary supplement that helps to nourish the liver, kidney
and blood. SHOU-WU has been suggested by the Chinese to be the most
popular herbal remedy for gray hair and hair loss. In fact, the name SHOU-WU
literally means "a head full of black hair" in Chinese.
Chinese medical theories believe that your hair's condition is an
indication of your body's internal system. Weaknesses in a person's kidney
and liver tend to manifest into symptoms such as hair loss and premature
gray hair. Such conditions can be corrected by replenishing the nutrients
that are necessary to revitalize our kidneys and livers.
SHOU-WU is usually taken orally as a dietary supplement. Long term used is
recommended by most Chinese herbalist. Recently, there are topical lotions
that are formulated with extracts from the herb for treating hair loss.
One of the most commonly found brand of SHOU-WU is "Shou Wu
Pian". This is probably the best known brand when it comes to this herb.
It is manufactured by Shanghai Chinese Medicine Works in China.
The dosage is 5 tablets three times daily. Don't be alarmed by the dosage
(which seems to be a lot, ie: 15 tablets a day). This is a very common
dosage for Chinese herbs. Chinese herbs are usually very mild in nature.
As such, long term commitment is recommended. The herb has been taken by
the Chinese for thousands of years and few side effects have been
reported. The following is an excerpt of what the manufacturer says about
"Shou Wu Pian":
Shou Wu Pian's functions: "For enriching liver, kidney, marrow, and sperm,
strengthening sinews and bones, blackening beard and hair, keeping on
youthfulness and good to blood and health."
Each 4-bottle package can last 1-2 months. It is not necessary to take the
supplement every day. If you experience sore throat or light headache, you
can reduce the suggested dosage by half.
SHOU-WU is considered a dietary supplement similar to vitamins and as
such, it is not governed by the FDA
