Fo-Ti Hair Restoration

One of the benefits of living in Vancouver is a large collection of Chinese herbal remedy shops able to support traditional Chinese medicine.  The difficulty is that the labeling is typically in Chinese and generally opaque to western eyes.  I expect that this will begin to seriously change over the next twenty years as plenty of new comers are conversant in English and can handle the translation and marketing issues.  I am seeing plenty of indications that this is happening and the sooner the better.

The Chinese have developed a major empirical resource that is a long way from been understood and exploited.  Our own medicine is now accepting much of this into usage.

Here we have a herb whose direct benefit is some restoration of hair health in the aging.  Other benefits are indicated and noted.  It does not claim to be a magic bullet, but does claim improvement.  I am sure someone will try to produce a magic bullet.

Since no creditable alternative actually exists, this is an improvement.  It is noted that hair condition can change abruptly due to emotional shock and that electro stimulation will also increase growth.  All that has suggested that subtle improvements in nutrition could well make a major difference.

Age Old Chinese Herb Fo-Ti is Widely Used to Restore Hair and Reverse Gray

Sunday, December 26, 2010 by: Susan Laverie, citizen journalist

http://www.naturalnews.com/030837_Fo-Ti_hair_loss.html

(NaturalNews) The ancient Chinese herb Fo-Ti, also known as He Shou Wu and Polygonum Multiflorum, stands alone as a highly effective hair loss treatment amidst the plethora of hair restoration products such as vitamins, nutritional supplements, pharmaceutical drugs and gloppy creams. Fo-Ti is not only a superlative natural herbal product useful for hair restoration, but also reverses color loss and helps gray hair regain its pigment.

The Chinese believe Fo-Ti acts as a longevity tonic. It has many uses in traditional Chinese medicine and is helpful for ailments ranging from premature aging, weakness, infectious diseases and angina pectoris to impotence. It is reputed to restore energy and strength and is also beneficial as a digestive aid.

All this and a cure for balding too!

All jesting aside, modern Doctors of Oriental Medicine use the herb to prevent premature hair loss, reverse color loss in graying hair and regulate many of the ills that appear with excess aging. Fo-Ti helps prevent thinning hair and restore dry, brittle and damaged hair. It shows efficacy for use in genetic pattern balding as well as hair loss from diseases such as hypothyroidism.

How Do Chinese Herbs Restore Hair and Prevent Hair Loss?

Chinese herbs treat more than merely the hair follicles and scalp.

Oriental medicine views hair loss in direct correlation to reduced kidney energy and poor blood circulation or toxicity. Herbal tonics use a holistic approach and treat the entire body. Chinese medicine believes that by strengthening the organs of elimination, the kidneys and liver, and by increasing circulation to the scalp through healthy blood flow hair follicles can be stimulated into restoring hair.

Chinese Herbal Tonics Act as Baldness Cures

Improving the quality of a person's blood, balancing hormones and increasing circulation to the scalp and head can be achieved through a variety of Chinese herbs prepared as an herbal tonic or a tea. Fo-Ti or He shou wu is the primary herb used for hair re-growth either on its own or in combination with other Chinese herbs such as ligustrum, dang gui, drynaria and sesame.

Use of Chinese herbal tonics for hair restoration and thinning hair should be viewed as a long-term cure. It is not an instant fix. Once the inner essence or vital force is restored, the beneficial effects of these herbal treatments may be seen on the scalp and hair.

Course of Use for Fo-Ti for Hair Restoration and Revitalizing Hair Color

Three weeks to a year is recommended by Chinese herbalists as an acceptable period in which to see adequate changes to the scalp to restore thinning hair, alopecia and natural hair color pigment.

Consult a Doctor of Oriental Medicine or an expert in Chinese herbs for preparation and the appropriate dose.

Side Effects of Fo-Ti

Most side effects are mild and a simple adjustment of the dose will be enough to eliminate occasional diarrhea or stomach upset. There have been reports of severe liver problems in rare instances for sensitive individuals. In the instance of jaundice or yellowing of the skin or pain in the upper right abdomen over the liver, stop consuming the herb and seek medical attention. Some estrogenic effects have been noted and an increase in estrogen dominance has been noted in susceptible individuals.

For those looking for an effective product for hair restoration or to bring natural color back to graying hair, Fo-Ti may be the answer.

Sources:

http://www.agelessherbs.com/hairlos...
http://www.vitaminsdiary.com/herbs/...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polygo...
http://herbalmedicine.suite101.com/...
http://naturalmedicine.suite101.com...

About the author

Susan Laverie is a freelance writer whose focus is on alternative healthcare, holistic nutrition, foods that heal and green living. Laverie has written articles for Homeopathy Today, The American Homeopath, LiveStrong.com and Suite101.com, as well as elsewhere online. With a passion for history and design, her hobby has been collecting and selling antique jewelry. Having retired from practicing classical homeopathy and natural medicine for 25 years, Susan now spends much of her time writing about health, nutrition and alternative methods for healing body, mind and spirit.

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http://www.naturalnews.com/030837_Fo-Ti_hair_loss.html#ixzz19MRl8SD3