Description
Fleece Flower Root / Fallopia Multiflora / He Shou Wu 何首乌
Slightly warm in nature. Bitter, sweet and astringent in taste. It enters the liver, kidney and heart meridians.
Health Benefits
Darkens hair, delays premature greying hair, nourishes essence and blood, improves Qi and blood circulation, protects the liver and lowers blood lipids, nourishes the liver and kidneys, calms the mind, improves sleep, alleviates dizziness and blurred vision, antioxidant, anti-aging, support healthy cholesterol levels and liver function.
Tonifies the Liver and Kidney Essence
· This is its primary and most famous function. It strongly nourishes the fundamental substances of the body—Blood, Essence (Jing), and Yin.
· Uses :
· Premature greying of hair : TCM believes “hair is the surplus of blood,” and its condition reflects the state of the Liver and Kidney Essence. Fleece Flower Root is the foremost herb for darkening and strengthening hair.
· Weakness in the lower back and knees
· Dizziness and blurred vision.
· Infertility and low vitality.
Nourishes the Blood
· It is a strong blood tonic, often used for blood deficiency patterns.
· Uses : Symptoms like sallow complexion, dizziness, palpitations, and insomnia.
Modern studies suggest it has antioxidant, anti-aging, and nootropic (brain-boosting) properties. It’s researched for its potential to support healthy cholesterol levels and liver function.
Precautions
· Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, chills, sore throat, inflammation.
· Individuals with existing liver conditions or elevated liver enzymes.
· Pregnancy and young children : Use only under the guidance of a TCM practitioner. All herbs are not for infants.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, auto-immune diseases, diabetes, allergy or are on medication (especially blood thinners), consultation with a doctor is essential.
· It’s best to Avoid taking food and beverage that are contraindications to Qi-tonifying herbs ( Ginseng, Astragalus Root, Radix Codonopsis ) as they are considered to dissipate Qi and reduce the tonic effect of the herbs. Food such as :
· Cooling & Raw Food : raw vegetable & salad, cold drinks & ice-cream, certain fruits such as watermelon, pear & grapefruit, certain seafood such as crab and clams.
· Dampness-Producing Food : Dairy products, sweeteners & sugary food, greasy & fried food, wheat & highly processed grains & food
· Pungent & Dispersing Food & Herbs : Radish, mint & peppermint, hot spices in excess.
· Specific Food-Drug Interactions : Coffee & tea.
or strictly separate intake by several hours.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions.
General Dietary Advice While Tonifying Qi
When you are prescribed a course of Qi-tonifying herbs, it is a signal that your body needs focused support. Adhering to these dietary guidelines, even for a short period, will dramatically increase the effectiveness of the herbs and speed up your recovery.
1. Embrace Warm, Cooked Foods : Soups, stews, congee (rice porridge), and well-cooked vegetables are ideal. They are easy to digest and warm the Spleen and Stomach.
2. Eat at Regular Intervals : Don’t skip meals. The Spleen thrives on routine.
3. Chew Thoroughly : This is the first and most crucial step of digestion.
4. Don’t Overeat : Overeating is one of the quickest ways to injure Spleen Qi.
5. Use Spleen-Tonic Foods in Cooking : Incorporate small amounts of sweet potato, pumpkin, carrots, rice, oats, and ginger into your meals.
Common Usage and Preparation
· Tea / Decoction : Thinly slice or crush, steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
· Powder or Capsules : Ground into a powder and taken with warm water or encapsulated. For convenient daily supplementation in smaller, maintained doses.
· Culinary Use : Added to soups and stews for a tonic effect.
