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He Shou Wu: Health Benefits + Side Effects

Reviewed by Dr.Gopi Krishna Maddikera ON 4th Apr, 2019

He Shou Wu: Health Benefits + Side Effects
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He shou wu is a wonder herb known to slow the process of aging and brings back the vigor and vitality back.

Worried about having low sexual energy?

Are you suffering from knee and joint pains?

Is your turning white?

Well, don’t worry because the answer to all your problems is here- ‘He Shou Wo’.

Table of Contents

  • What Is He Shou Wu?
  • Health Benefits Of He Shou Wu
    • 1. Increases Cellular Antioxidant Activity
    • 2. Enhances Immunity
    • 3. Adrenocortical Function
    • 4. Blood Tonic
    • 5. Improved RBC’s Membranes
    • 6. Improved Blood Circulation
    • 7. Liver Protection
    • 8. Improved Fertility
    • 9. Memory
    • 10. Calms Nervous System
    • 11. Joint Pain
    • 12. Prevents Ageing
    • 13. Prevents Greying Of Hair
  • Side Effects Of He Shou Wu
    • 1. Toxicity
    • 2. Thin Stools
    • 3. Gastrointestinal Problems
    • 4. Liver Problems
  • History Of He Shou Wu
  • Nutritional Value Of Ho Shou Wu
    • Following Is The List Of Nutrients It Contains
    • Properties Of He Shou Wu
  • Preparation Of He Shou Wu
    • How To Prepare?
  • The Dosage Of He Shou Wu

What Is He Shou Wu?

He shou wo is one of the most popular and widely used herb in Asian herbalism. It is prepared from the root of ‘Polygonum multiflorum’, a plant that grows in the mountains of southern and central China.

It is used for its anti-ageing properties and longevity. It is used for various therapeutic actions related to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Health Benefits Of He Shou Wu

The list of benefits of this wonderful herb is really long. Listed below are the benefits of this herb:

1. Increases Cellular Antioxidant Activity

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is a class of closely related enzymes, present in a human body which converts the superoxide radicals into less reactive ions. The antioxidants then convert them into safer molecules.

This process is known as dismutation.
He shou wo is known to promote this dismutation process in humans. It helps to maintain healthy levels of SOD in our bodies.

2. Enhances Immunity

It promotes natural immunological functions in humans. This helps to increase immunity.

3. Adrenocortical Function

He shou wu helps in proper functioning of the adrenal gland. It supports adrenal fortitude.

4. Blood Tonic

It promotes the growth of blood generating hematopoietic stem cells. This way it supports the blood-producing function of the body.

5. Improved RBC’s Membranes

He shou wu is a rich source of lecithin, which is an important raw material for all the cell membranes. Therefore, it helps in improving the cell membranes.

6. Improved Blood Circulation

It has a high iron content and acts as an excellent blood tonic. So, it enhances blood circulation in our body.

7. Liver Protection

Our liver cells replenish themselves continuously. So, He shou wu helps to maintain the structural integrity of the liver.

8. Improved Fertility

Zinc, a major component present in He Shou Wu promotes metabolism of testosterone, improved sperm quality and motility. It also helps to modulate estrogen.

9. Memory

Regular consumption of this herb with water or ethanol extracts enhances brain functioning. It supports memory and learning the ability.

10. Calms Nervous System

It has sedative properties which help to calm the nervous system.

11. Joint Pain

It helps to relieve lower back and knee pain. These are associated with kidney deficiency.

12. Prevents Ageing

It has excellent anti-aging properties. It is known to rejuvenate the skin. It protects the skin from photoaging.

13. Prevents Greying Of Hair

It prevents delay of greying of hair. Also, it turns grey hair to black or the original color.

Side Effects Of He Shou Wu

There is a great difference between prepared and not prepared He Shou Wu. Raw He Shou Wu is much more dangerous to health. Also, Prepared He Shou Wu contains more tonic properties than the raw material.

Though it is known for no side effects, it may have some side effects on our body if consumed in a wrong manner.

1. Toxicity

Raw He Shou wu is a strong laxative and it is very toxic to consume it on a regular basis.

2. Thin Stools

Extra consumption of this herb can lead to thin stools.

3. Gastrointestinal Problems

It is rarely observed, but there are mild gastrointestinal problems.

4. Liver Problems

Though this herb is known to protect the liver and maintain its healthy functioning, it may result in adverse effects on the liver if the patient has some previous liver problems. So, consult a doctor and then consume this herb in such cases.

Though it is known to have no side effects, it is nice to be on a safer side and consult a doctor.As it is famous as an anti-aging drug, everyone should try it once in a lifetime!

History Of He Shou Wu

It is said to be invented by a Chinese man named NengZi. He was born weak and never married as he was impotent. At the age of 58, he was drunk and fell asleep in a forest. The roots appeared to be making love in his mind. So, he dug those roots and consumed them as a tonic.

As a result, he could feel something new within himself. He could hardly control his sexual drive. Even his grey hair turned into black with time.It is said that he lived for 160 years and had 19 sons and one daughter. This was the magic of He shou wu!

Nutritional Value Of Ho Shou Wu

He shou wu contains a variety of nutrients. It is this high nutritional value of the herb that makes it so useful.

Following Is The List Of Nutrients It Contains

  • Zinc
  • Iron
  • Leucoanthocyanidins (LAC)
  • Minerals
  • Starch
  • Nitrogen
  • Phenolic Glucosides
  • Unsaturated fats
  • Lecithin
  • Oxymethylanthroquinone
  • Chrysophanol
  • Emodin
  • Rhapontin

Properties Of He Shou Wu

He shou wu possesses some excellent properties due to which it has become so popular and is in demand all around the world. It is:

• Anti-tumour
• Sedative
• Anti-pyretic
• Anti-progestational
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anti-aging
• Decreases blood coagulability
• Vasodilatory
• Excellent anti-oxidant

Preparation Of He Shou Wu

Roots Of He Shou Wu
Roots Of He Shou Wu

There is a major difference between prepared and unprepared He Shou Wu. The raw herb will not contain the tonic properties and will have unnecessary side effects on the body.

How To Prepare?

  • This is the traditional method used for a preparation of this herb.
  • The freshly picked tubers are sliced into small pieces and stewed in black beans soup.
  • The proportion should be 10:1 parts i.e. 10 parts of tubers and 1 part of black beans soup.
  • It should be cooked until the entire soup is exhausted. Here is He Shou wu ready!

There are no chemicals added while preparation for this medicine!

The Dosage Of He Shou Wu

He Shou Wu Roots

He shou wu is generally taken 3 times a day.

If it is in the form of capsules, then take 2 capsules 3 times a day or as directed by the doctor. Never take He shou wu before driving a vehicle because it has sedative properties.

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