processed or unprocessed Shou wu/Fo-Ti

Hi all,

First off, I am new to the forum and looking at natural ways of improving my hair loss near my crown area.

I got a question about the two different types of processed or unprocessed Shou Wu.
I brought some from my Chinese herb shop but I am not which type I have and if its safe to use? It looks light brown and is hard solid. I was advised by the herb shop person that its safe to use and their instructions was to boil it for 20 mins and drink it. But according to what I found online, it looks like I have unprocessed Shou Wu or am I wrong?

Thanks all in advance for any replies

if it was processed already(cured/boiled in black bean sauce)you wouldn't need to boil it.

Thank very much for the reply
I am not sure if I did something wrong, but when I did take it as instructed I started to get really bad side effects from taking it. I started to get really bad stomach pain. Then I started to feel very light headed. I do have IBS which could have made things worse. But the next day, I felt very alert. not hyper active but more focus
It took a few days for the side effect to wear. Went to the docs just in case and said my liver didnt inflame but return to normal. it was bit scary but Iam annoyed with my herbalist instructions as I got my acupuncture done by them a few years ago without any issues.

I am not given up on the shuu wu just yet. I far as I know, theres also the capsule and power variants as well. I can get the powder stuff without issues and the one I found does say its been prepared:
hybridherbs.co.uk/he-shou-wu/

But sorry to sound if I am asking another question but how you use the powder? Is this recommended over the capsule?

But would anyone still recommend dragoon herbs or other the brands?
dragonherbs.com/prodinfo.asp?number=542