He Shou Wu is considered to be one of the most sought after tonic herbs in Asian medicine system as well as in herbalism all around the world. This vastly popular tonic is made from a root of a species of Fallopia, Polygonum multiflorum which is mostly found in certain parts of China. Much like wolfberry, the fruit of Lycium barbarum, He Shou Wu is also thought to be the primary yin essence tonic in Chinese herbalism.

According to the Chinese system of medicine, He Shou Wu is the best tonic herb for increasing Jing essence in the body through the Kidney system while increasing primal reserves. In Chinese tonic herbalism, He Shou Wu is taken in order to slow down ageing, nourish Jing, strengthen knees, lower back, bones, muscles, tendons and fortify the blood. Men often use He Shou Wu to increase sperm count, strengthen the sperm itself and improve libido. From an aesthetic point of view, this tonic is beneficial for those looking to keep the youthful look and condition of the hair, an effect for which He Shou Wu is best known. He Shou Wu has anti-anxiety properties since it acts as a mild sedative, but also acts as a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory tonic. The secret of He Shou Wu is that it has an ability to cleanse the liver and kidney, which subsequently clean the blood and the body itself.

Whether your or someone you know plans to start taking He Shou Wu, there are a couple of things you should know. People suffering from kidney stones, arthritis, hyperacidity or rheumatism should not take He Shou Wu before visiting their doctor first, as He Shou Wu might aggravate these conditions. Likewise, you should stay away from unprocessed He Shou Wu since it can be toxic to liver and act as a strong laxative. Processed form of He Shou Wu is perfectly safe and actually helps cleansing the liver.