The name He Shou Wu literally means “Mr. He’s Black Hair,” it comes from 9th-century Chinese folklore about a man named Mr. He who was weak, sickly, and childless well into his 50s. One night, after passing out drunk in the forest, he woke up and stumbled upon a mysterious vine — the vine spoke to Mr. He and told him that it’s root would be the cure to all his ails. Like most hungover people, he was willing to try anything…
What happened next? His thinning, gray hair turned thick and jet black, his health roared back, and he fathered multiple children well into his 130s. By the time he died at 160, people were calling the herb He Shou Wu in his honor — the root that gave Mr. He his mojo (and hair) back.
This is what ChatGPT spit back when prompted to create an image emblematic of He Shou Wu.
I’ve personally been using He Shou Wu for 14 years now and though I have no real way of saying for sure whether it’s related; I have kept my hair and hair colour thus far (my family’s follicularly challenged)…. I also notice plenty of difference whenever I cycle on (or off) the herb.
Fo-Ti is a tonic herb, meaning you can take it over an infinite time frame, and its effects will be cumulative without toxic side effects. The best method I’ve found to use the herb, is to grind the prepared root into a fine powder (using a coffee grinder) and then add to smoothies, granolas or even your coffee beans.
*make sure you find a quality supplier. As with other supplements, you want to avoid contamination from heavy metals etc*
A quick google search will yield lots of bizarre images of the root as per these photos. Real or fake?
Fuggin weird.
Here’s a look at what you can expect if you work this tonic herb into your diet.
Traditional uses / where the hype came from.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, He Shou Wu is considered a Kidney Jing and Liver Blood tonic — two foundational concepts associated with youthfulness, sexual vigor, strong bones, and lustrous hair.
For centuries, it has been used to:
Restore premature graying hair
Support fertility in both men and women
Enhance libido and stamina, particularly in aging individuals
Replenish energy and resilience after periods of fatigue or illness
While most of He Shou Wu’s fame stems from traditional use and modern anecdote, research is beginning to explore its biochemical actions and physiological benefits.
Hair Regrowth and Pigmentation
Animal studies have shown that He Shou Wu can:
Promote hair regrowth in aging mice
Stimulate melanocyte activity, helping restore natural hair pigment
Increase dermal papilla cell proliferation, essential for follicle health
This supports the long-standing use of Fo-Ti for hair vitality.
Liver Support and Antioxidant Activity
He Shou Wu contains stilbene glycosides, potent polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Animal models show:
Enhanced liver enzyme function
Protection against oxidative liver stress
Increased SOD (superoxide dismutase), glutathione peroxidase, and catalase — crucial antioxidants for detoxification and aging defense
Neuroprotective Properties
Emerging research has highlighted its potential for brain health, particularly via:
Protection of dopamine neurons (Parkinson’s disease models)
Reduced neuroinflammation
Improved mitochondrial function and learning performance in rodents
This has sparked interest in Fo-Ti as a natural nootropic or longevity aid.
Lipid and Cardiovascular Support
He Shou Wu has shown promise in:
Lowering LDL cholesterol
Raising HDL cholesterol
Improving overall lipid metabolism, potentially aiding in heart health and weight management
Mitochondrial Health and Anti-Aging Potential
In aging models, He Shou Wu has been found to:
Enhance mitochondrial ATP production
Support telomerase activity (linked to cellular longevity)
Reduce DNA oxidative damage
These effects align with the herb’s role in anti-aging formulas.
He Shou Wu for sale in China.