Fleeceflower Root Chinese Herb

Fleeceflower Root (He Shou Wu): A Legendary Herb for Longevity, Hair Health, and Vitality

Introduction

Fleeceflower root, known as He Shou Wu (何首乌) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is one of the most revered longevity herbs in the Chinese herbal tradition. Used for centuries to restore vitality, support healthy aging, and promote dark, lustrous hair, He Shou Wu is often included in formulas for strengthening the Liver and Kidneys. Whether consumed as a tonic tea or added to soups, this root is considered a foundation herb for those seeking graceful aging, reproductive vitality, and sustained energy.

What Is Fleeceflower Root?

He Shou Wu is the root of the Polygonum multiflorum plant, also known as Fallopia multiflora or Fo-Ti in Western herbalism. In TCM, the root is typically prepared (Zhi He Shou Wu)—steamed with black soybean juice—to enhance its tonic properties. It is classified as a sweet, bitter, and slightly warm herb that nourishes the Liver and Kidneys, strengthens blood, and benefits hair and fertility.

Health Benefits of Fleeceflower Root

1. Promotes Healthy Hair and Delays Graying
He Shou Wu is traditionally used to darken gray hair and promote hair growth. It nourishes the Liver and Kidney essence, which are believed to govern hair health in TCM.

2. Supports Longevity and Reproductive Vitality
Often referred to as a “longevity tonic,” He Shou Wu is used to boost stamina, vitality, and sexual energy. It’s included in many anti-aging and fertility formulas for both men and women.

3. Strengthens the Liver and Kidneys
By tonifying Liver and Kidney yin and blood, He Shou Wu helps address symptoms like dizziness, low back pain, tinnitus, and fatigue—especially related to aging or chronic depletion.

4. Nourishes Blood and Improves Circulation
He Shou Wu supports blood production and circulation, helping to reduce dryness, weakness, or pallor associated with blood deficiency.

5. Calms the Mind and Supports Sleep
It is also mildly calming and is sometimes used to ease anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia—especially when associated with yin or blood deficiency.

How to Use Fleeceflower Root

In Soups
He Shou Wu can be added to nourishing soups or stews with ingredients like goji berries, red dates, black beans, or Chinese yam.

Add 10–15 grams of prepared He Shou Wu to your soup and simmer for 2–3 hours.
Use only the processed/prepared form for food and tonic use. Raw He Shou Wu is more purgative and not typically used for these purposes.

In Tea or Decoctions
He Shou Wu can be brewed alone or with other tonic herbs like rehmannia or licorice root.

Use 6–12 grams per serving. Simmer for 30–60 minutes.
Often combined with other blood or yin tonics in rejuvenating herbal teas.

In Powder or Capsule Form
He Shou Wu is widely available as a powder, tincture, or capsule. Choose “prepared” or “Zhi He Shou Wu” products for tonic use. Avoid raw forms unless directed by a practitioner.

Where to Buy Fleeceflower Root

You can purchase He Shou Wu in:

• Chinese herbal shops

• Health food stores

• Online retailers such as Amazon, iHerb, or specialty TCM websites

Look for:

• Prepared (Zhi) He Shou Wu – dark, rich-colored slices or chunks

• Certified organic or lab-tested products for purity and safety

• Standardized extracts if using for specific conditions

Are There Any Side Effects?

Prepared He Shou Wu is generally considered safe for most people when taken in appropriate amounts. However, raw He Shou Wu can cause loose stools or liver stress and should only be used under professional supervision. If taking high doses or using long-term, regular liver function monitoring is recommended. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Conclusion

Fleeceflower root, or He Shou Wu, is a time-honored herb used to promote vitality, strengthen the body, and restore youthfulness—especially through its benefits for hair, reproductive health, and energy. Whether brewed into tea, simmered in soups, or taken in supplement form, He Shou Wu remains one of the most respected longevity tonics in the TCM tradition.

FAQs

Q: Can I take He Shou Wu every day?
A: Yes, prepared He Shou Wu is safe for long-term use in moderate amounts. It is often taken daily as a tonic herb in TCM.

Q: What does He Shou Wu taste like?
A: It has a slightly bitter, earthy, and subtly sweet taste. In soup, it blends well with other tonic herbs.

Q: Is He Shou Wu safe for children?
A: It is generally used for adults. In rare cases, under professional supervision, small amounts of prepared He Shou Wu may be used for children. Always consult a pediatric herbalist or doctor first.