Shou Wu
Shou Wu
首乌 · Shǒu Wū
Polygonum multiflorum / Polygonaceae
The legendary hair-darkening root — He Shou Wu tonifies Liver and Kidney, nourishes Blood and Jing, and embodies TCM's vision of graceful, vital longevity.
Taste & Nature
Bitter, Sweet, Astringent · Slightly Warm
Part Used
Root (Tuberous)
Channels Entered
Liver, Kidney
TCM Category
Blood-Tonifying Herbs
Family
Polygonaceae
What Is Shou Wu?
Shou Wu (何首乌, Hé Shǒu Wū), also known as Fo-Ti in the West, is the processed tuberous root of Polygonum multiflorum (now reclassified as Reynoutria multiflora), a climbing vine native to central and southern China. Its name — literally 'He's black hair' — derives from a legendary Tang Dynasty figure named He Tianer (何田儿), whose grey hair reportedly returned to black after consuming this root, associating it permanently with hair health and longevity in Chinese cultural consciousness.
In TCM, the prepared (zhi) form of He Shou Wu is classified as bitter, sweet and astringent, with a slightly warm nature, acting on the Liver and Kidney channels. It is used to tonify Liver and Kidney essence and Blood, darken and strengthen the hair, fortify the sinews and bones, and calm the Shen. The raw (sheng) form has quite different, laxative properties used for moistening the intestines and clearing toxic heat — the two forms are treated as distinct substances in clinical practice. Processed He Shou Wu (制何首乌) must be correctly prepared with black bean juice and steam-cooking to reduce hepatotoxic anthraquinone content; correct processing is essential for safety.
History & Origin
He Shou Wu occupies a unique position in Chinese herbal medicine — bridging pharmacology and legend. While its story is steeped in mythology, its clinical use as a Liver-Kidney tonic and Blood nourisher is grounded in two millennia of materia medica scholarship.
Tang Dynasty (618 – 907 CE)
The Bencao Shiyi by Li Ao first records He Shou Wu, together with the legendary account of He Tianer and his miraculous hair restoration — establishing the herb's enduring association with dark hair and longevity.
Song Dynasty (960 – 1279 CE)
He Shou Wu is formalised in multiple materia medica texts, with its distinction between raw and processed forms recognised and its Liver-Kidney tonic properties systematically catalogued.
Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 CE)
Li Shizhen's Bencao Gangmu devotes a major entry to He Shou Wu, detailing its preparation with black beans, its tonic actions, and its differentiation from other Polygonum species.
Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912 CE)
Becomes one of the most widely prescribed tonic herbs in classical medicine for greying hair, premature ageing, Blood deficiency, spermatorrhoea and weakness of sinews and bones.
Modern Era
Extensive research has identified stilbene glycosides (notably 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside) as key bioactive compounds. Pharmacovigilance studies have led to updated safety guidance on correct processing and dosage to minimise hepatotoxicity risk from anthraquinone content in raw preparations.
Traditional Uses
Hair Health & Greying
He Shou Wu's most celebrated application — used to nourish Liver and Kidney Yin and Blood, supporting the production of healthy, dark hair and addressing premature greying.
Liver & Kidney Tonification
Replenishes the Yin and essence of the Liver and Kidney channels to address age-related weakness, lower back pain, knee soreness, dizziness and tinnitus from deficiency.
Blood Nourishment
Classified as a Blood tonic, it is used for Blood deficiency patterns presenting as pallor, palpitations, insomnia, dizziness and menstrual irregularity.
Sinew & Bone Strengthening
Nourishing Liver and Kidney automatically supports the sinews and bones — governing tissues of these two organs — addressing weakness, stiffness and age-related musculoskeletal decline.
Shen Calming & Sleep
Blood and Yin nourishment settles the Shen (spirit), helping address restlessness, insomnia and emotional instability linked to deficiency patterns.
Intestinal Moistening (Raw Form)
The raw (unprocessed) form has a distinct laxative and detoxifying application for constipation from Blood deficiency dryness and toxic swellings — used separately from the tonifying processed form.
Health Benefits
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Darkens & Strengthens HairTCM's premier herb for hair health — nourishes the Liver and Kidney essence that governs hair colour, thickness and vitality.
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Tonifies Liver & Kidney JingReplenishes the fundamental essence and Yin of the Liver and Kidney, addressing age-related decline across multiple body systems.
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Nourishes BloodBuilds Blood to resolve deficiency patterns: pallor, dizziness, palpitations, menstrual irregularity and post-illness depletion.
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Strengthens Sinews & BonesThrough its Liver-Kidney tonification, supports the health of connective tissue, joints and bones, relevant to age-related musculoskeletal weakness.
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Requires Correct ProcessingOnly the properly prepared (zhi) form — processed with black beans — should be used for tonic purposes; raw herb has different actions and higher hepatotoxicity risk without proper preparation.
Soups Featuring Shou Wu
Shou Wu is a key ingredient in these Food Art no-cook herbal soups, thoughtfully formulated to deliver its nourishing benefits in a convenient, ready-to-brew format.
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products.
