Chinese Herb – He Shou Wu (Fo Ti)

Sun, Oct 27, 2019

Enjoy our weekly wellness tip from Licensed Acupuncturist, Michael Savalli, from the office of Elizabeth Martin.

Herb of the week:  He Shou Wu – “Old Black Hair”

He Shou Wu, (or Fo-Ti in the west), is an herb that has a long history of use in aiding youthfulness and longevity.  The reason for this is that it strongly reduces oxidative stress in the body.  It also strengthens the blood by increasing red blood cell count and improving circulation.  This, in turn, helps energy levels, and sometimes helps with premature graying of the hair.  (That is where the herb gets its name.)  It’s also an adaptogen herb, meaning it promotes balance and harmony within the body and prevents many age-related diseases with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.  It can be useful for male fertility; it improves circulation, increases testosterone, and benefits sperm function.  Also, He Shou Wu is a “yin “ herb, meaning it provides energy, but in a calmer way that balances the mind and body.  In other words, more energy without the jitters.  It also improves cognitive function and memory.

However, it does carry some risk of side-effects.  First off, it can act as a laxative, so care must be used in that regard.  More seriously to consider; it can lower blood sugar, thin the blood, and in large dosage can injure the liver.  It may also mimic estrogen in the body, so it is to be avoided with a history of certain cancers.  This herb is very often safely used for its many benefits, but its risks must be considered.   It’s essential when using He Shou Wu, that you use the prepared form and not the raw unprocessed herb.  By frying it with yellow rice wine and black soybean juice, the root takes on a darker color, and it’s negative side-effects are reduced.  You can buy it in this form, you don’t need to prepare it yourself.  

If you’re looking to supplement with an herb that has a long history of being used to promote health and longevity, then He Shou Wu might be right for you.  If you’re new to using herbal medicine, it is strongly recommended that you consult with your physician, and with a qualified herbalist.  Not all acupuncturists have training in herbology, but at Hands On Acupuncture, both Liz and myself have years of training, backed up by Masters Degrees in Oriental Medicine.  We can help guide you through using the proper herbal product, in the proper way, that meets your current health needs.

Meet Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

Michael is a board certified NY State Licensed Acupuncturist, who received his Masters Degree in Oriental Medicine from New York College of Health Professions.  While in this program, he also specialized in Chinese Herbal Medicine. If you or anyone you know is interested in staying healthy this season, schedule your appointment and learn how Acupuncture and herbs can boost your immunity. 

631-601-6491

Click to learn more about Michael Savalli, MSOM, L.Ac

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We Sell Products

To enhance your healthy lifestyle experience we sell all forms of Chinese herbal linaments, to pain patches and liquids that help the pain, enhance healing, and promote wellness. Each product has been carefully selected and tested. We only sell high-quality medicinal grade products. Ask your practitioner what products would be right for you!

631-601-6491

Crystal Bowl Sound Healing
Group Meditation

Sound healing is a form of meditation that is performed in a group where you lay on a yoga mat and let the sound transport you. 
Sound healing has many benefits including:

• reducing stress and anxiety
• improves circulation
• deepens relaxation
• increases mental & emotional clarity. 
• restores balance

Vibrational sound healing can be traced back from present-day trends to many ancient civilizations including India, Africa, Europe, and the Orient. The idea is to restore balance to the chakra system and clearing the blocked energy within ourselves. Sound healing is similar to reiki healing; It is a form of energy healing that allows your body to self-regulate and self heal.

Let the sounds vibrate through you to feel the power of self-preservation and healing.
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Traditional herbal medicine offers many health benefits; whether it be treatment or prevention.

With Love,

Liz

Elizabeth M. Martin, MSOM, L.Ac, LMT and the Staff at Hands on Acupuncture and Massage Therapy, P.C.