He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum)

Supplements for hair loss
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He Shou Wu (Polygonum multifl orum)

This herb is also known as fo-ti or Chinese knotweed. It contains anthraquinones, particularly emodin. Taken orally, this herb acts as a laxative by irritating the lower gastrointestinal tract. Applied topically, this herb has been used traditionally to reduce hair loss and may
be found in commercial preparations. There are no controlled studies evaluating this herbal remedy in alopecia.

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Fo-ti is also said to reverse/stop graying hair.
I believe He Shou Wu means “man with black hair”.

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A standardized concentrated form is available in a product called Shen Min, which I used successfully for a spell (the advanced formula).

Shen Min may help to control one’s hair loss in its early stages. After that, I am not as confident. Even less so, after its company Biotech was bought out by Natrol, Inc. Now, probably in an effort to cut costs, the advanced formula contains far less amounts of the fo-ti concentrate.

Some literature suggests that he shou wu acts a blood, liver, and kidney tonic, removing toxins, thereby improving circulation, which, in turn, may allow for important nutrients to reach hair follicles. An acquaintance who studied Chinese medicine told me that hair loss is, in part, a malfunction of the kidneys.

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Cured Fo-ti?

http://www.regrowth.com/hairloss-forums/viewthread.cfm?f=1&t=22621

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» Cured Fo-ti?
»
» http://www.regrowth.com/hairloss-forums/viewthread.cfm?f=1&t=22621

This one is cured, but contains added sodium sulfite as preservative.

http://www.frontiercoop.com/products.php?ct=hchhaz&cn=Fo-ti+Root+%28He+Shou+Wu%29

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Interesting stuff about hair loss:

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Nice find. Here’s an addition to hoshou with other potent chinese herbs through chinese medicine.

» Interesting stuff about hair loss:
»
» Ho-shou-wu

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» He Shou Wu (Polygonum multifl orum)
»
» This herb is also known as fo-ti or Chinese knotweed. It contains
» anthraquinones, particularly emodin. Taken orally, this herb acts as a
» laxative by irritating the lower gastrointestinal tract. Applied topically,
» this herb has been used traditionally to reduce hair loss and may
» be found in commercial preparations. There are no controlled studies
» evaluating this herbal remedy in alopecia.
»
»

A study is here