Traditional Chinese Polygonum He Shou Wu Juice

Mixed with water or tea, this liquid tonic is a convenient way to fight premature aging and fatigue. There's also an interesting story behind its unique name.

Chinese name: Shou Wu Chih (show woo cherh)
Also known as: Polygonum He Shou Wu Juice

Indications
Fatigue, poor vision, general debility, premature aging

Functions
Tonifies blood and essence

Description
Shou Wu Chih is another convenient liquid tonic. The chief herb is Polygonum multiflorum (he shou wu), also incorrectly known as fo ti. Essentially a blood tonic, he shou wu nourishes liver and kidney essence, treating such conditions as weakness, insomnia, blurred vision, and premature graying of the hair.

The herb's name is due to an old tale about its discovery. As the story goes, Mr. He was an old, gray-haired man who went off into the hills to die so he would not become a burden to his family. After a few months, he wandered back into his village looking quite healthy with a full head of black hair. When questioned about how he managed to thrive so well in the wild, he replied that he had survived by eating the roots of a wild vine, Polygonum multiflorum. Since then, the plant has been known as he shou wu, or "black-haired Mr. He."

In addition to its nourishing quality, he shou wu has demonstrated effectiveness in lowering blood cholesterol levels and inhibiting the pathogens that cause tuberculosis and malaria.

In addition to other yin and blood tonics such as Angelica sinensis (dang gui) and Rehmannia glutinosa (shu di huang), the formula also contains small quantities of cloves (ding xiang, or "fragrant spike") and cardamon (sha ren). The inclusion of these aromatic carminative herbs makes the formula more digestible. Tonic herbs, even those meant to strengthen digestive function, are often heavy and difficult to digest. For this reason, digestive stimulants are often added to tonic formulas to prevent digestive discomfort.

Manufacturer: United Drug Manufactory

Dosage: 2 to 3 tablespoons mixed with water or tea, three times a day. The remedy can be taken over a long period if the individual has no heat signs (red face, dry mouth, irritability, skin rash).

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