He Shou Wu is a twining perennial vine whose tuberous root darkens with age and has been revered in Chinese medicine for over a thousand years as a tonic for longevity and vitality. Traditionally used to nourish blood, tonify the liver and kidney, and darken graying hair, it is prized for its subtle warming properties and deep restorative action rather than dramatic acute effects.
root, tuber
decoction, powder, capsule, tincture
9–15g dried root as decoction daily; 3–6g powder in divided doses
Must be processed — unprocessed root can cause liver damage.
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