He Shou wu - Fo Ti Root - Chinese believe helps with hair loss

Guys, CS,

check this out:

http://www.iherb.com/Nature-s-Way-Fo-Ti-Root-610-mg-100-Capsules/4331?at=1

I am currently in Taiwan and this stuff is a big deal here in terms of helping with hair loss.

CS, any insight on your end?

http://www.agelessherbs.com/hairlossremedy.html

Natural Hair Loss Remedy
Chinese Medicine.
By: Catherine Browne, L.Ac., MH, Dipl.Ac

Chinese medicine is effective at treating hair loss and
the underlying conditions that cause hair loss. Many
Chinese herbs have a record of promoting hair growth
that spans thousands of years as effective hair loss
remedies. How do Chinese herbs restore the hair?
They build blood, balance hormones, restore Kidney
Energy, and direct nourishing blood to the scalp.

Hair loss and thinning hair can result from many causes including stress, poor nutrition (especially a Vitamin B and mineral deficiency), hormonal imbalance, certain prescription drugs, thyroid disease, cancer (and more specifically cancer treatment), and genetics. All of these hair loss conditions can occur in both men and women. Much like heart disease prevention, even hair loss based in genetics can be addressed with Chinese medicine.

Genetic pattern baldness is often attributed to the chemical DHT (5-alpha Di-HydroTestosterone). It has been found that increasing levels of DHT in hair follicles cause a reaction that reduces blood flow to the follicle and the impairs the growth cycle of hair. This results in follicle shrinkage and finer and shorter hairs, eventually the follicle dies and stops producing hair. Areas that are 'shiny bald' no longer have live follicles. Areas with shorter, fuzzy, fine hairs still have live follicles that may respond to Chinese tonic herb remedies.



In Chinese Medicine, hair is a direct reflection of the Kidney energy, Liver energy and Blood: a lack of circulation or insufficient amounts of Blood can result in the loss of hair. The Kidney and Liver influence the hormones strongly. The conditions of the hair follicles can also be affected by the toxicity of the blood, and the Liver and Kidney are important organs of elimination of toxins.

The first step in treating hair loss naturally is to improve circulation to the head/scalp, as well as improve the quality of the blood with specific natural herb remedies such as fo-ti or he shu wu, drynaria, dang gui, sesame, and ligustrum. Early intervention is the key to limiting hair loss and promoting hair re-growth. Herbal tonic treatment can vary from 3-12 months depending on the severity of the condition and the length of time that the condition has existed.

Traditional Chinese Medicine can effectively treat hair loss & thinning hair with Chinese tonic herb remedies. The main Chinese herb remedy for hair loss in this formula is he shou wu, or fo ti. It is the best Chinese herb for hair, known for its beneficial effects on strengthening the hair, building Blood, and reversing graying of the hair. Other ingredients include the highly esteemed reishi mushroom to enhance the Kidney energy, Ligustrum to improve blood circulation of the scalp, and other Chinese herbs that restore beautiful hair and skin.

In clinic, I utilize Return to Spring not only
with hair loss, but any Kidney Deficient
conditions where a neutral Kidney tonic is
most appropriate. I have found it
especially beneficial for patients who do
not show Kidney Yin or Yang Deficiency
specifically, but who are experiencing
anxiety or adrenal fatigue from general
Kidney Deficiency.

Kidney Deficiency takes years to develop
and will likely take 6 months or more to
correct.
Catherine Browne, L.Ac., MH, Dipl.Ac.

The Chinese way of naturally healthy hair rely on tonic-type herbs that are used over time. Along with proper living habits such as good sleeping patterns, exercise such as walking, tai-qi or yoga, and organic whole foods; natural Chinese tonic herb remedies play an important role in healthy hair.

This natural Chinese herb remedy for hair loss and thinning hair will restore overall health and vitality by supplying the basic building blocks through chemical constituents present in the herbs that are necessary to nourish the hair and skin through the Liver and Kidney systems. After all, the whole body must thrive in order to have luscious, strong, healthy hair.

The main Chinese herb for hair is he shou wu, or fo ti. It is the best Chinese herb for hair, known for its beneficial effects on strengthening the hair, building Blood, and reversing graying of the hair. Other ingredients include the highly esteemed reishi mushroom to enhance the Kidney energy, Ligustrum to improves blood circulation of the scalp, and other Chinese herbs that restore beautiful hair and skin.

Along with proper living habits such as good sleeping patterns, meditation, exercise such as walking, tai-qi or yoga, and organic whole foods, natural Chinese tonic herbs play an important role in healthy hair and healthy aging skin care.

This Chinese herb formula for hair loss and thinning hair will restore overall health and vitality by supplying the basic building blocks through chemical constituents present in the herbs that are necessary to nourish the hair, skin and Kidney system. After all, the whole body must thrive in order to have glowing, strong, healthy hair and radiant skin.

In Chinese medicine, the Spleen is paired with the Stomach and is related with food assimilation in the body and fluid transformation. The Spleen function in this context is very different from the way that the spleen organ is viewed in Western medicine.

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Herbs for Hair Loss:
Polygonum multiflorum - he shou wu - Fo Ti
The Chinese say that long-term use of this famous "longevity herb" helps return an aging person to youthfulness, as it strengthens the back. The literal translation of the name he shu wu is "black-haired Mr. He" refering to the Chinese legend where Mr. He returned from living in the woods for some time, and his grey hair had turned to black. As it turned out, Mr. He had been consuming fo ti herb to survive. Fo ti is known as the best herb to restore hair color and nourish the skin, hair, teeth and nails. This top Chinese herb is a classic essence tonic and major blood tonic that cleanses the blood.

Ganoderma lucidum - ling zhi - Reishi Mushroom
The Reishi mushroom has an unparalleled reputation in the Orient as the ultimate herbal substance often used to cure immune disorders. For over two thousand years it has been sought-after by mountain sages and by the emperors of China known as the best anti-aging herb. In the first Chinese herbal text (Shennong’s Pharmacopeia) it says that "continuous consumption of Reishi makes your body light and young, lengthens your life and turns you into one like the immortal who never dies." Reishi was traditionally called "the mushroom of immortality."

Schisandra chinensis-wu wei zi
Schizandra is a famous Tonic herb historically consumed by Chinese royalty. It is renowned as a beauty tonic and is considered to be one of the best anti aging, youth preserving herbs. It has been one of the top herbs used for centuries to make the skin soft, moist and radiant.

Ligustrum lucidum-nu zhen zi
A Yin Kidney and Liver tonic herb which is said by the Chinese to prolong life. It is a significant immune enhancing agent. Ligustrum herb is also used as a blood tonic that helps to enhance hair restoration.

Thallus algae-kun bu-Seaweed
Seaweed has many micronutrients & minerals necessary for good health and beautiful hair, skin and nails.

Morus Albus-sang shen-Mulberry fruit spike
Builds blood, nourishes yin and moistens the intestines. Traditionally used in China for premature graying of the hair, mulberry increases nourishment for hair growth.

Urtica dioica - Stinging nettle
Highly nutritious herb containing a multitude of minerals necessary for proper hair growth.

Psoraleae corylifolia-bu gu zhi
A popular Chinese herb to restore premature gray hair to it's natural color. Psoralia also prevents hair loss. As a Yang Tonic, it strengthens Kidney energy. .

Ligustrum chuanxiong-chuan xiong- Lovage Root Wallichi
Invigorates the Blood and directs Blood upward, allowing nourishment to reach the head and enhance hair growth.

Rehmannia glutinosa-shu di huang
A Kidney tonic and longevity herb and is found in "anti-aging" formulations for longevity, and rejuvenation. It is a first-class blood tonic that helps to boost hair growth, and benefit sexual functions in men and women.

Dendrobium-she hu-Orchid
This variety of Chinese orchid is an excellent Yin tonic and longevity herb. Dendrobium is the top herb for restoring moist skin and repairing skin at a cellular level, thus generate beautiful skin. Dendrobium is one of the top Chinese anti-aging herbs.

Angelica sinensis - dang gui
A common herb for invigorating the blood and qi in the Lower Jiao, especially when blood has been stagnated by cold. Dang Gui is considered the best herbs for building blood.

Eclipta prostrata-han lian cao
A rejuvinating tonic for the Liver and Kidney Yin, eclipta supports healthy hair growth. Protects the Liver.

Sesame Indicum-hei zhi ma-Black Sesame Seed
Black sesame seed is a fabulous longevity herb. In addition to its essence-building capacity, it enhances hair growth.

Alisma plantago-aquatica-ze xie-Water Plantain Root
Alisma herb has mild tonic qualities, especially affecting the Kidney/Bladder, and the Spleen/Stomach.

Poria cocos-fu ling
Poria is a fungus that grows on the roots of pine trees widely used in Chinese herbalism to leach out dampness, drain phlegm, and move fluid stagnation.

Salvia miltiorrhiza-dan shen-Red Sage Root
Salvia is a "blood vitalizing" herb used to improve circulation and break up blood stagnation. Recent research in China and Japan indicates that salvia improves the condition and functioning of entire cardiovascular system. It is a famed longevity herb.

For information on conventional treatments for hair loss, visit the Mayo Clinic, the Medline or the AAD. This is not an endorsement of these organization, just a resource guide.

He Shou Wu is officially the Polygonum multiflorum plant. Its pet name in China is Fo Ti

He Shou Wu Prevent Hair Loss
By Sid

Okay, it’s a wild story about a runt, the Tang dynasty, and hair loss. You have to really let yourself go to believe it. You can call it a legend about a plant. People all over the world have been making up legends about trees and plants farther back than the dark ages. But in China, the dark ages weren’t so dark. People were investigating their natural environment and discovering. They were in an exploratory mode back then, in China.

He Shou Wu is officially the Polygonum multiflorum plant. Its pet name in China is Fo Ti, and it is now being used in conjuncture with other herbals, as an active ingredient in shampoos and orally administered treatments to prevent Hair Loss. It is an ingredient in Shen Min and other hair care products that truly prevent hair loss, as they aid in the restoration of roots and even produce new hair.

There are several legends associated with He Shou Wu. One revolves around its discoverer, a man who was born the runt of the litter, an ailing, sickly child. In his middle age, during the Tang dynasty, he noticed two trees growing together with their vines twined together. He dug up the roots and prepared them for food.

He became amorous after digesting the prepared roots. His gray hair turned black.
He got married soon and had a son, and both he and his son lived to be 130 years old.
Yeah, yeah . . . These old stories make sensible people doubt the effectiveness of such a plant in the treatment of anything!

Here are the facts: He Shou Wu, or Fo Ti, is a plant native to China and also grows in Japan and Taiwan. In order for the plant’s root to become an effective treatment, it must be boiled in a special liquid made from black beans, and this processing turns the plant root into a superior and different medication, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine.

When the Fo Ti root is in its raw, unprocessed state, it is called White Fo Ti. It may cause diarrhea, intestinal pain and nausea, and is considered potentially more toxic that the processed root. The Processed (or cured) root is called Red Fo Ti, and it is used to strengthen blood, invigorate kidneys and liver, and serve as a tonic to increase overall vitality.

In fact, the unprocessed root is light brown to brown in color, but the processed or cured root is dark, reddish brown. If you are near a flourishing Oriental market, go for the dark reddish, processed root.

This processed root, usually ground and capsuled, is second only to Ginseng as a revitalizer and rejuvenator in China. It has a stellar reputation.

Although human clinical trials are lacking to prove the effectiveness of Fo Ti, it has been proven, through animal research, to decrease fat deposits in the blood. Test-tube studies suggest the root’s ability to stimulate immune function and increase red blood cell formation.

One specialty hair care company in the United States, ThymuSkin Shampoo Hairloss Products, offers a Fo Ti liquid extract which can aid in retaining one’s original hair color, and with some customers, prevent premature balding. Because of Fo Ti’s use in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a rejuvenator, it has been included in several Hair Loss formulas. It is noted by ThymuSkin that the Fo Ti extract should not be used if pregnant or nursing.

Fascinating combinations of traditional herbal medicines like Fo Ti and Black Cohosh, also used as a menopausal rejuvenator in Chinese medicine, are proving effective in Hair Loss treatments with considerable success.

Funny thing that Prague recommended Fo Ti a long time ago.

Fo Ti, He Shou Wu is very old school. Shen Min products (which contain a fo ti extract) have been around for over a decade. And they may help those in the initial stages of hair loss.

thanks guys! im a newbie!
here i am in Taiwan currently and thinking i have some sort of awesome expert find! haha

It's mainly phytoestrogens. There's a study that tested it for phytoestrogens and it came out way on top of soy. I took a lot a long time ago and got sides. If you go that route, you'll probably have more success with PM. I recommend using that topically. But I don't really recommend it: estrogen sides.

Whenever you come across an herb reputed for hair, one thing you can google for is estrogen, to consider if that is its mechanism.

That said, because messing with hormones is generally bad news, inflammation has been a more realistic focal point, among others. This is what much of the IH regimen is about.

Hey Gibson! I was gonna warn you on this if you hadn't done/said it already! Nooooooooo! Fo-Ti. AC/DC. Boobie. You get the idea.

Guys, try not to mess with any estro-causing stuff. Maybe there's a list. I just found out Coffee has estro properties? WTF?

Nah, seriously, WTF? Maybe this is only in women, and the effect in men is slight, but F that.

I used to take Fo-Ti and yes the older you get the more sides you get when you take this stuff or if you're young, it could hit you later from hormonal imbalance. I'm so done with anything estrogen-causing, except for drinking water and the environment, and furniture, and the hormones in our meat, and stryofoam, and carpet and xenoestrogens in plastic bottles

Estrogens can be great for hair, just ask any woman, but you don't want sides dudes.

"On Earth I was nobody, but here I'm Den!"

yes..i just read on google search that it raise estrogen so i guess this would be great for a woman who is experiencing female pattern baldness and greying...

but at the same time, i read testimonials on iherb site about men taking this and its helping them.

maybe there is another supplement to counter the fo ti estrogen raising characteristics while allowing it to help hair grow back?