Scientific/Latin name: Polygonum multiflorum
Also known as: Chinese climbing knotweed, Fo-ti or Fleeceflower
Native to: China, Taiwan and Japan
Parts used: Root
Top benefits: Antioxidant-rich, longevity enhancing, anti-aging
He Shou Wu, the Longevity Tonic
Your anti-aging routine isn’t complete until you’ve added He Shou Wu. This potent herb contains bioactive compounds that help support healthy aging and prevent premature aging through the process of antioxidant protection.
History of He Shou Wu
The origin of He Shou Wu is shrouded in legend. According to the Chinese myth, a monk gave Mr. Ho instructions to take this herb in order to address his old age. As the story goes, the old man’s gray hair turned black, and his youth returned. Supposedly, he lived to be 130 years old and never lost his head of black hair.
Also called Ho Shou Wu, He Shou Wu is officially listed in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia and is one of the most popular and highly revered superior tonic herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). HSW root is considered to act similar to a classic adaptogen, building the body’s defences against stress and supporting the balance between yin and yang energies.
While not a stimulant, it’s considered beneficial for lifting mood, and believed to positively impact the central nervous system and to be both energizing and calming at the same time.
Sources of He Shou Wu
Prepared He Shou Wu root (the variety used in JOYÀ's Superblends), refers to the traditional method of cooking the raw roots in a special liquid made from black beans, and is considered a different and superior medicine than the raw variety.
This process makes the herb easier to digest and is thought to bring out more of its strengthening qualities. JOYÀ sources wildcrafted He Shou Wu from remote areas in China, where it is natively grown, and submits it for rigorous testing against toxins and contaminants before and after it is blended into our products.
*The summary presented here refers to prepared HSW.
Health Benefits of He Shou Wu
Ready to be wooed by the benefits of He Shou Wu? As your resident team of herbalists, we’re here to give you the down low on this rejuvenating herb.
Antioxidants
Free radicals cause oxidative stress in our cells. Those cells can then become damaged, and that damage can replicate to new cells, causing premature aging in the skin and throughout the entire body. Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage by neutralizing free radicals, making them nature’s own unsung hero of anti-aging potions.
HSW has been shown to exhibit high activity of antioxidants, compounds which play a vital, health-protecting role in human life. Antioxidants have been shown to help protect against various metabolic diseases, heart disease, brain disorders and age-related syndromes, as they help the body combat cellular damage caused by free radicals (reactive chemicals containing oxygen).
HSW has also been shown to increase the body's level of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase, two very important antioxidants that the body produces to fight free radical damage and maintain cellular balance. Of particular interest, some animal model studies suggest that HSW may have neuro-protective actions due to its antioxidant activity. (1, 2)
Longevity
HSW is considered to be a powerful longevity herb that replenishes Jing (essence) to the body’s cells, and is revered more than any other herb in TCM for its ability to prevent premature aging and enhance longevity and youthfulness. Its main actions are nourishing the heart (believed to house the "spirit", referring to one's vitality), kidneys (which play a key role in growth and aging processes), and the liver (which regulates the movement of Qi (vital energy or life force) and body fluids). Thus, its strength comes from its ability to cleanse the body by cleaning the kidney and liver, and in turn the blood.
Side Effects of He Shou Wu
Although many people use He Shou Wu safely and experience no side effects, you shouldn’t use it if you have pre-existing liver disease, liver injury, or a medical condition or if your healthcare provider has advised you against it. It’s always best to get medical advice to make sure that any herbal supplement is a good fit for your body.
JOYÀ products that use He Shou Wu
When you’re ready to support your longevity and level up your anti-aging game, look no further than JOYÀ’s chef-crafted supplements. Our Calm Cacao Superblend contains a blend of traditional herbs and adaptogens (including He Shou Wu) to help promote long-term wellness.
Every antioxidant-rich scoop also contains soothing adaptogenic Reishi Mushroom, hormone-nourishing Maca, mood-supporting Mucuna Pruriens, and magnesium-rich Cacao. Add it to steamed milk for a hot cocoa, or if you’d rather try your hand at a Calm Cacao Superblend smoothie, we’ve got you covered. We have several options for siping your daily adaptogenic longevity routine.
If you prefer to chew your Wu, try this recipe for banana pancakes that have our Calm Cacao Superblend mixed right into the batter. It’s a crave-worthy and filling way to start your day.
If pancakes aren’t your thing, there are other ways to incorporate He Shou Eu into your breakfast routine — including recipes that allow you to get your boost on the go.
He Shou Who?
He Shou Wu is a longevity herb that has been trusted for centuries in TCM to support a balanced body and help promote healthy aging. You can get in on the anti-aging benefits, too. JOYÀ makes it easy to enjoy the benefits with chef-crafted supplements that are pure, sustainably sourced, and effortlessly delicious.
The health research presented in this article is for informational use only. It is not a replacement for professional health advice and should not be construed as a recommendation of specific products. The products sold on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This information does not provide dosage or format recommendations or possible drug interactions, and accordingly, should be used with the advice of a qualified health care practitioner.