He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti): The Yin Jing Powerhouse for Hair, Hormones, and Lasting Vitality*
For centuries, He Shou Wu has been celebrated in Chinese herbal tradition as a nourishing tonic for Jing—the deep, foundational energy believed to underlie stamina, longevity, and youthful vitality.
The Premier Yin Jing Tonic of Chinese Herbal Tradition*
By supporting the body’s foundational energy systems, He Shou Wu delivers wide-ranging benefits…
Healthy Aging & Cellular Vitality*
Packed with antioxidants like TSG and emodin, it supports mitochondrial health and cellular regeneration for increased energy and graceful aging.*
Hair Rejuvenation & Natural Color Support*
He Shou Wu nourishes hair follicles and melanocytes, helping promote growth and, in some cases, restore natural color to graying hair.*
Hormone & Reproductive Health*
He Shou Wu helps balance hormones, enhance libido, and support reproductive vitality by nourishing deep Yin Jing reserves in the kidneys and liver.*
Dive into the rich annals of history, and you’ll find He Shou Wu has been the go-to choice for those seeking to reignite their energy and equilibrium.*
He Shou Wu, also often called Fo-Ti, or the Latin Polygonum multiflorum, is perhaps the very best and most well-known Yin Jing herb in Chinese Medicine. It is said to:
- Nourish the Liver Meridian*1
- Nourish the Kidney Meridian*1
- Nourish the Blood (seen a Concentrated form of Qi)*1
- And Dispel Wind*1
There are more than 103 components inside He Shou Wu. Of these, the stilbenes and quinones are considered the main compounds.
He Shou Wu is often used in Chinese medicine to help support good sleep habits.*2 It is certainly not sedative in its effect, so this is likely because of its nourishing ability that helps the body to better be able to reach a natural relaxed state.*
Are You Yin Jing Deficient?
Has the zest of your youth started to fade?
In Daoist philosophy, Jing is one of the Three Treasures—alongside Qi (energy) and Shen (spirit). Jing is your essence, tied to your DNA, constitution, and the deep reserves that fuel your life force.
This essence has two aspects: Yin Jing and Yang Jing. Yin Jing is the nourishing, cooling foundation that supports regeneration at the cellular level. It promotes hormonal balance, reproductive vitality, strong bones, youthful hair and skin, and calm, steady energy.*
Many people chase Yang-boosting herbs like Pine Pollen or Tongkat Ali. But when those fall short, it’s often Yin that’s missing. And without enough Yin, Yang burns out fast. Balance is everything.
In the Chinese outlook, Jing can be said to “leak” away as you age. Kidney or Yin Deficiency has been called having a dead or nearly dead battery.
Very often, nourishing the Yin is what is needed to make the Yang (sex, athletics, success, confidence, etc.) more likely.
“Love, love, love it! I take it in the morning and feel energetic all day. I don’t get sick and at over 60, my husband loves my long, nearly almost all. brown hair. Thanks for the excellent product!” – Carole Ruble
Common indicators of Yin Deficiency include:
- Decreased sexual drive
- Fertility issues
- Premature aging
- Brittle bones
- Flagging energy
- Lack of confidence
- Depressed thinking
- Mental dullness
- Night sweats
- Dry skin, throat, or eyes
- A red tongue with little or no coating
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Issues with the lower back
- Issues with knees
“After just a few days, the abundance of energy I experienced was unbelievable, I’ll be buying this again”
– Jay Meeboer
How He Shou Wu Promotes Healthy Aging*
The principal constituents of the plant are the tetrahydroxystilbenes (called TSG for short). There are at least 12 different forms of TSG. The full chemical name of one of these is 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, but don’t worry I won’t use that mouthful again.
Here are some of the effects TSG has been found to have.
Antioxidant Power
TSG neutralizes “free radicals” (the sparks that rust your cells) and flips on your body’s own cleanup crew of antioxidant enzymes.*3
Liver Function
TSG supports healthy liver function by helping maintain the body’s natural response to occasional oxidative stress and promoting normal fat metabolism.*3
Brain & Memory
TSG supports cognitive health by helping maintain healthy synaptic function and promoting clear neural communication essential for memory and focus.*4
Healthy Inflammatory Response
TSG supports the body’s natural inflammatory response by helping maintain balance in key cellular pathways (like NF-κB) involved in immune and tissue health.*4
Heart & Circulation:
TSG supports healthy circulation by promoting nitric oxide production and helping maintain vascular flexibility and normal endothelial function for smooth blood flow.*4
Bone Strength
It protects bone-building cells from oxidative stress and supports better mineralization.*4
TSG has been shown to support the production of vital neurotrophic factors — natural proteins that support brain growth, repair, and resilience.* Specifically, in cellular studies, TSG helped support:
- BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)*5
- GDNF (Glial Cell-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)*5
- NGF (Nerve Growth Factor)*5
These molecules are critical for keeping neurons healthy and adaptive. TSG, in rat and mouse research, helped to protect brain cells from normal aging and damage from harmful proteins and toxins.*1,6 TSG nourishes your brain at the cellular level — supporting memory, sharpening focus, and promoting long-term cognitive vitality.*
TSG helps protect mitochondria—the cell’s energy centers—by supporting a healthy balance of oxidative and calcium levels.*7 It helps mitochondria breathe better—improving their ability to use oxygen—and boosts backup fuel use (ketone metabolism) so cells keep making energy under stress.* The result is more resilient cells.*
That’s just one group of compounds from He Shou Wu. But TSG is not all…
Anthraquinones and Polysaccharides in Fo-Ti
Another main constituent of He Shou Wu is the anthraquinone, emodin. This compound is being widely investigated for all the above benefits. Here’s a super-simple, one-to-two-sentence rundown of how emodin works for each effect:
- Healthy inflammation response: Emodin can support inflammatory messengers (like TNF-α, IL-6), while helping manage oxidative stress.*8
- Glucose & Lipid Metabolism: Emodin supports healthy insulin function and helps maintain normal metabolism of fats and sugars*8
- Brain/CNS support: Emodin helps protect neurons from oxidative stress and supports healthy cell signaling for optimal cognitive and nervous system function.*8
- Kidney protection: Emodin helped protect kidneys and other organs.*8
- GI smooth muscle modulation: Emodin can fine-tune gut muscle activity—supporting more balanced motility.*8
- Bone health: Emodin helped preserve bone-building activity and micro-architecture.*8
Other anthraquinone compounds found in He Shou Wu are rhein and physcion. Rhein (also known as cassic acid) has been shown to support healthy mitochondrial function in nerve cells.*9
Physion, also known as parietin, helped to support a healthy inflammation response in the large intestines of humans.*1
He Shou Wu is also rich in polysaccharides.
These have been shown to:
- Support the immune system function*10
- Protect the liver from toxins*10
- Support a healthy inflammation response*10
- Have antioxidant power*10
Processed He Shou Wu was found to have a seven-fold higher concentration of polysaccharides compared to raw He Shou Wu. This then led to processed He Shou Wu helping to support the immune system better than raw.*10
Does He Shou Wu Actually Restore Gray Hair to its Natural Color?
Yes, in some cases.* See the real reviews below
First of all, understand that melanin equals darker hair. (Melanin is in our hair, not just our skin.) Research shows that He Shou Wu can turn α-MSH back on and improve its docking to melanocytes.*11 That combo tells pigment cells to wake up and make color again.* Also supported is tyrosinase, the key enzyme that converts tyrosine into melanin.*11
TSG helps a little, but it’s not the star for color.* Other compounds were more responsible for the changes.* And in one study, raw He Shou Wu outperformed processed.*11
“This product works over time and the results are as described on the site. I have a feeling of well being I didn’t have before taking this. I use it 5 days then off 2 days and have done this for two years. It took about 6 months to notice less grey hair but that is not why I take it.”
– Ted Etheredge (Verified Customer)
Fo-Ti for Hair Growth*
He Shou Wu’s support goes beyond color—it’s traditionally used to support healthy hair and scalp vitality too.* Research has explored its effects on dermal papilla cells, which play a key role in hair follicle health.* In cellular studies, TSG compounds have been shown to support normal cell activity and hair fiber development.*12
Direct growth support: It found that several isolated molecules from the root boosted the activity of dermal papilla cells—the “command center” cells in hair follicles that control hair growth cycles.*
In preclinical studies, a tetrahydroxystilbene compound was shown to support the natural growth cycle of hair follicles by encouraging the anagen (growth) phase.*
In preclinical studies, emodin has been shown to support a healthy balance of enzymes and signaling pathways involved in hair follicle vitality and scalp health.*13
Sonic Hedgehog (yes, named after the video game character!) is a signaling protein used by your body to tell cells when and how to grow. It’s one of the master “communication systems” that cells use during development. It stays active in hair growth. He Shou Wu was shown to support Sonic Hedgehog.*14
Real-world trials with men and women have shown some results in this area in the East.15,16 He Shou Wu can be supportive when taken internally as well as when used topically.
Look at the reviews and you’ll see that this does work for some customers, however, not all. Very often it takes months to see changes.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Take once a day. Feel great. Hair on my head is growing back” – Anthony Maroncelli
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I have been using this product for two months. I have noticed that my gray hair is turning darker. It provides an overall balance of energy.” – Corey Paschal
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “At sixty years old, I can feel and see noticeable differences, especially with my hair. I’m not grey or thinning and I feel great when taking this product.” – Michael Ivey
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I thought I’d give this a try to see what it might do with my falling hair. I was losing a significant amount every day. I’m a 68 year old woman and thought it would not be possible to fix this. My thinning hair was so obvious and I could easily see my scalp. I’ve been taking this herb now for around a month. I’m a bit tardy about remembering to take it twice a day, but I take a full teaspoon at least once daily. Happy to report that I am no longer shedding any hair. This is huge for me as I’ve been losing hair for several years now. I’m now waiting to see if my hair will regrow so I can grow it long again and be proud of my appearance.” – Marcia George
Taste, Characteristics, and Recommended Dosage
In Chinese Medicine, the color BLACK is associated with the energy JING. In other words, many things black in color are good for supporting your Jing.
This tincture is a very dark brown that often appears black, depending on how much light there is. Our He Shou Wu Spagyric Tincture has a strong salty taste. This taste is associated with the Water Element, specifically the Kidney Meridian, which is the storehouse of Jing. Besides that the taste is somewhat chocolatey.
He Shou Wu Tincture Dosage:
The recommended dosage is one dropper, which is 1 mL or 30 drops daily. This comes in a one-fluid-ounce bottle, so there are about 30 droppers per bottle. At the recommended dose a bottle will last about 30 days.
This dose is just a starting point. You can modify the dose up or down as you see fit.
Tinctures are best squirted into the mouth and held under the tongue for about half a minute before swallowing. Alternatively, you can add this to drinks, tea, smoothies and more.
We have not tried using this He Shou Wu tincture topically on the hair for color or thickening effects. If you try that out, please let us know how it goes for you.
He Shou Wu Powder Dosage:
Recommended dose is ½ to 1 tsp twice daily. Each bag will give 27-54 servings.
The powdered He Shou Wu extract is a medium brown color. It is straightforward and versatile to use. Just mix ½ to 1 tsp into your morning and evening water, coffee, tea, smoothies, juices, etc. It’s very easy to incorporate into your daily routine. You could also make a calming tea by stirring your dose of the powder into a cup of hot water.
He Shou Wu Capsules Dosage:
Recommended dose is 5 capsules taken once or twice daily. Each bottle will last 15-30 days at this dose.
All He Shou Wu extracts are gluten-free. The powder and tincture are vegan-friendly (but the capsules are not due to use of gelatin capsules).
He Shou Wu Pairs Well With Coffee
You can use the powder or the tincture, but the flavor profile matches well. Even more important, this subtle calming energy can help to balance out coffee and caffeine’s effects.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “I read about taking it with coffee. I get a great caffeine buzz without the jitters and no crash. More like sustained energy all day one cup! Just 1/2 teaspoon!” – Robert Jara
“If you’re a one coffee a day person like I am, its a good idea to add this extract to your morning routine. I mix it right into my coffee. it seems to replenish what coffee takes away, thereby helping to avoid chronic fatigue.” – Cody Barkley
Contraindications and Possible Side Effects of He Shou Wu
He Shou Wu, in its raw form, is a powerful laxative.* However, our product is made with the traditional preparation method of cooking it in black bean stew. The most common, though rare, He Shou Wu side effects are slightly soft stools and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. With the tincture instead of powdered form, there should be zero gastrointestinal distress.
He Shou Wu is typically safe to consume for relatively healthy adult men and women.*
Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should not consume He Shou Wu as this has not been studied.
He Shou Wu Liver Safety
As shared above, He Shou Wu is protective of the liver.* However, there are some case reports of liver damage. This seems to be overblown and is covered extensively in this article: Does He Shou Wu Damage the Liver? (The short answer is that the problems likely point to heavy metal contamination, using raw He Shou Wu instead of traditionally prepared, and other plants besides the true species Polygonum multiflorum being used, and even then it’s quite rare.)
Still, if you see any jaundice or blood tests that reveal elevated levels of ALT, ALP, or bilirubin, please stop taking He Shou Wu to be extra safe. Other symptoms to pay attention to include loss of appetite, oil aversion, or increases in body mass.1 If you see any of these, then discontinue use of He Shou Wu.
Most people can take He Shou Wu every day for years and not see any issues.
“This product is outstanding! Would definitely purchase it again.” – Joe
“Take it daily….great product!” – David Rivera
We Offer 3 Variations of He Shou Wu
Our He Shou Wu is always traditionally prepared—never raw—to ensure safety and potency.
This matters because raw He Shou Wu acts as a strong laxative and has been linked to liver issues in modern research. Traditional preparation, used since the Tang dynasty, involves stewing the root with black beans to reduce toxicity and enhance its rejuvenating effects. This method transforms the chemistry of the root, unlocking its true benefits while minimizing risk.
He Shou Wu Powder & He Shou Wu Capsules
The prepared root then goes through a 10:1 reflux extraction process, meaning it takes 10 pounds of roots to make 1 pound of extract.
The reflux extraction process involves crushing and stewing the prepared root in pure water and then distilling the essence-filled liquid to arrive at an incredibly pure product.
The process is done three times over the course of 4.5 hours to get the most potent herb available. This essence is then filtered and spray dried to arrive at the powder.
The spray drying process necessitates the use of maltodextrin. Although just 10% maltodextrin is added, upon drying this is more by weight. Recent testing revealed the non-GMO corn maltodextrin amount is around 36.8%. These amounts are actually quite common in Chinese herbs.
For the capsules, the powder is then packed into bovine gelatin capsules with nothing else added. No additional fillers or anything else.
Here’s a visual overview of the entire process:
Alchemical Processing and Quality of the He Shou Wu Spagyric Tincture
For the tincture, the roots are harvested, prepared and dried, all steps done certified organically in China, before being used to make the tincture. The remaining processing steps are done inside the USA.
The roots are then tinctured for over six weeks in a menstruum made with organic cane alcohol (40% ABV) and distilled water. It’s a 1:2 tincture, meaning 1 gram of He Shou Wu roots for every 2 mL of liquid, which is quite strong.
After the maceration is complete the roots are pressed to expel the menstruum. Instead of throwing out these roots as would be done in a regular tincture, they’re calcined and ground down into a fine white ash, then further extracted with distilled water and a gentle evaporation process until crystals are formed. These purified “salts” are added back into the tincture to finish the process turning it into a spagyric tincture.
These roots are USDA Certified Organic, as is the Organic Cane Alcohol used for the tincture.
There is nothing besides prepared He Shou Wu roots, organic cane alcohol, distilled water, and the crystalized “salts” of He Shou Wu added back in, used in this tincture. No maltodextrin at all.
This alchemical or spagyric preparation yields a more potent tincture with enhanced bioavailability.* Not only does it add trace minerals into the tincture, but alters compounds too that enhance effectiveness.*
“Best He Shou Wu on the market.” – Marc Mondfrans
The Legendary Longevity Herb That Gave Mr. He His Black Hair at Age 132!*
In the heart of ancient China, in a village nestled among misty mountains, lived a man named Mr. He (pronounced Ho). Age had dulled his spirit, loneliness and sadness echoed in his footsteps, while thin white hair interwove on his scalp. Every night, he sought solace in wine, drowning the pain of a childless life.
Mr. He’s loneliness wasn’t due to a lack of desire, but impotency. And so, one fateful night, inebriated and weary, he ventured deep into the mystic woods, seeking a place to rest his sorrow-laden heart.
As he lay beneath the canopy, he dreamt a vivid dream: a family with children laughing and playing, a loving wife waiting at home, and his hair dark and lustrous.
Awakening, Mr. He noticed something peculiar—a twisted root, unlike any he had ever seen. Its intertwined form resembled two lovers lost in a passionate embrace.
With the root in hand, he returned to his village. The wise man, a sage with knowledge as deep as the oceans, couldn’t identify the root. But he did have insight: “This root chose you,” he declared. “Perhaps within lies the answer to your prayers.”
Intrigued, Mr. He brewed a tonic, the scent earthy and invigorating. And as the first drops caressed his lips, a rush of energy, like a jolt of lightning, surged through him. Each day, as he drank more, he felt rejuvenated, more alive than he had in decades.
Before the village’s very eyes, Mr. He transformed. The white hair darkened, the frailty replaced by vigor, and a zest for life returned to his eyes. Mr. He soon married, and the laughter of not one, but nineteen children echoed in his home! He lived for another century.
To this day, that miraculous root bears his name—He Shou Wu, which means Mr. He’s Black Hair…or Mr. He’s Hairy Back depending on the translation. This same herb is also referred to as Fo-Ti.
Our He Shou Wu Spagyric Tincture passes CA Prop 65. But for the He Shou Wu Capsules and Powder Only:
WARNING: Consuming this product can expose you to Lead, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/food. For more information on what this warning is, visit https://lostempireherbs.com/california-prop-65
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
