🌿 Polygonum Multiflorum (He Shou Wu) — In-Depth Introduction
📌 Basic Information
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Chinese Name: He Shou Wu
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Botanical Name: Polygonum multiflorum (now often classified as Fallopia multiflora)
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Family: Polygonaceae
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Common Parts Used: Tuberous root
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Taste & Properties: Bitter, sweet, astringent; slightly warm in nature
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Traditional Channels (TCM): Liver and Kidney meridians
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Category: Tonic herb
📖 Cultural Background & Legend
The name He Shou Wu comes from an ancient Chinese legend. A man named He Shou Wu was frail, infertile, and had premature gray hair. After taking a mysterious vine root for several months, he regained vitality, blackened his hair, and fathered children. This root became known as “He Shou Wu,” symbolizing vitality and longevity.
🧪 Key Components & Scientific Research
🌟 Main Active Compounds:
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Anthraquinones (e.g., emodin, chrysophanol) – laxative, anti-inflammatory
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Lecithin, polysaccharides – antioxidant, anti-aging
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Alkaloids, tannins, sterols – immune modulation, cholesterol regulation
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THSG (2,3,5,4′-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside) – powerful antioxidant
🔬 Proven Benefits:
| Function | Scientific Insights |
|---|---|
| Hair Darkening | May support melanin production & improve scalp circulation |
| Hair Growth Support | Antioxidant and DHT-inhibiting effects on hair follicles |
| Liver Protection | Certain compounds offer hepatoprotective benefits (with caution) |
| Anti-Aging | High antioxidant capacity helps slow cellular aging |
| Mild Laxative | Promotes bowel movement via anthraquinones |
⚖️ Raw vs Processed He Shou Wu
| Feature | Raw He Shou Wu | Processed He Shou Wu (Steamed) |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Fresh or sun-dried | Traditionally steamed with black bean juice |
| Usage | Detoxifying, laxative | Tonifying, nourishing |
| Toxicity Risk | Higher (hepatotoxicity reported) | Significantly reduced |
| Taste & Texture | Astringent, reddish | Sweet, blackened, smooth |
| Application | External use or short-term detox | Internal use for long-term wellness |
✅ For wellness and hair care products, processed He Shou Wu is recommended.
🧴 Practical Uses (Especially for Herbal Hair Care)
1. Hair & Scalp Products
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Commonly used in anti-hair loss shampoos and tonics
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Pairs well with soapberry, biota leaf, and black sesame
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Ideal for users with hair loss, premature graying, dandruff, or oily scalp
2. Wellness Supplements
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Often combined with goji berries, black sesame, mulberries, and angelica
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Found in hair darkening teas, herbal capsules, tonics
3. Natural Skincare
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Incorporated into antioxidant skincare formulas
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Popular in "Eastern botanical" themed beauty products
👤 Who Should Use It? Who Shouldn't?
✅ Recommended For:
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Those with thinning or graying hair
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People with liver/kidney deficiency in TCM context
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Wellness users interested in anti-aging and vitality
⚠️ Use With Caution If:
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Using raw He Shou Wu internally (risk of liver toxicity)
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Pregnant or have pre-existing liver conditions
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Using iron supplements (may interfere with absorption）
