With a mysterious history as rich as the culture it derives from, He Shou Wu (pronounced he-show-woo) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 3,000 years. Also known as Fo-Ti, this particular herb is considered to be the elixir of life in Asian herbalism, with properties that help to preserve stamina, vigour, and youth. He Shou Wu is specially prepared tuberous root of the Polygonum Multiflorumplant, found in the mountains of southern and central China.
Legend suggests that a weak and frail man by the name of Neng Si would come to discover He Shou Wu after waking from a drunken sleep. He found entwined plant vines and decided to dig them up, and take them home. Following the advice of a passing hermit, Neng Si ground the root into a powder and ate some, only to find a few days later that he was beginning to feel stronger, and more energetic. In a matter of months, he would transform from a hapless, to virile and would even come to father a number of sons in the coming years. The herb had rejuvenated him, and it has been a highly-revered energising tonic ever since.
Anti-ageing
As the tale of Neng Si suggests, He Shou Wu is widely regaled for its anti-ageing benefits. It is not only-supposed to be of great use in maintaining vibrant looking hair, but it is also said to help strengthen the back and joints. He Shou Wu is also full of antioxidants that can also help to look after the eyes.
Libido Booster
These youthful properties go beyond physical appearance and mobility. Not only will this particular herb prove useful in maintaining a youthful and healthy sex drive, but it is also considered to be extremely useful in seeking to improve fertility when looking to conceive a child.
Zinc and Iron supplement
The high levels of zinc and iron in this herb make it an excellent cell producer, and it even stimulates blood-generating cells and improves circulation. It can be extremely difficult to maintain the necessary levels of these minerals, therefore to keep up with the levels that your body needs to run smoothly, the addition of He Shou Wu is absolutely essential.
Rejuvenation of mind and body
He Shou Wu is, above all else, an energising tonic in Asian herbalism, therefore it is a valuable dietary addition that could help to keep your energy levels up. In addition, it is said to have properties that help to reverse hair loss, and can help to protect and restore DNA, improve brain and liver function, and can help to boost the immune system.
Calming
For those who experience periods of high stress and anxiety, He Shou Wu has a number of calming properties, thanks to its natural balancing and muscle relaxant properties. The health and wellness benefits really do seem to be endless.
How should you take it?
Before it can be safely taken as a tonic herb, He Shou Wu needs to be properly prepared. At Detox Trading, our organic He Shou Wu is sliced and stewed in a black bean stew. The roots are then dried and ground in to a powder. Traditionally He Shou Wu is the ideal herb to be made as a hot tea, or can be simply mixed with cooler water. If you are interested in the hair growth properties, then creating a mixture with oil or water, then rubbing it directly in to the scalp could have a much more noticeable effect.
Start with a small dose, no more than 1/4 teaspoon daily, and slowly work up to 1 teaspoon a day.
As a family-run business, Detox Trading is dedicated to providing premium quality, organic superfoods, certified by the UK Soil Association. Visit our website for more information about the fantastic herb that is He Shou Wu, or view some of our other amazing organic powders and superfoods.
Maca powder – the superfood beneficial for an underactive thyroid
Do you feel tired and stressed out all the time? Research has indicated that the alkaloids of maca will have a beneficial effect on your endocrine system when taken regularly - and this is good news for all women. As we go through life, our hormones fluctuate. This can be unsettling enough but, when we also take the stresses of daily life into account, we can start to experience adrenal fatigue - this is our body’s first line of defence. If we don’t heed the warnings, the thyroid gland can become impacted severely.
Many women have found that taking maca improves the function of their thyroid, reducing mental fog and fatigue in a very short space of time.
It works best if you can use maca powder on a daily basis and it works by impacting the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus - these are significant when it comes to the health of your thyroid. The hypothalamus releases a thyrotropin-releasing hormone – known as TRH - and this stimulates the pituitary gland which in turn, stimulates the thyroid to release the thyroid hormone. So, if you want an overhaul of your endocrine system, maca may be the herb for you. Maca powder can help to stimulate the natural productivity of your thyroid and this has to be a good thing.
As a superfood, maca root is becoming increasingly popular as it has numerous benefits. It helps to reduce glucose levels, can reduce the number of hot flushes associated with the menopause, it lowers your blood pressure and can even improve sexual desire. Maca powder is readily available and it can easily be added to meals on a daily basis. If you are interested in trying it out, simply add to your cereals or homemade smoothies and enjoy the subtle, malty taste. Note: it is generally advised that you don't cook or bake maca powder but as small quantities are all that is required, you'll find many ways of adding it to your diet. Use regularly and you’ll start to notice that your health improves.
5 top reasons to add Maca powder to your diet If you're looking to incorporate a superfood powder into your diet that will offer multiple health and well-being benefits, then it's time to look at Maca powder. When it comes to this superfood, UK buyers are queueing up to enjoy the benefits. It works well in drinks, juices, smoothies, salads and cooked foods - and it's great in baked goods for a healthier treat. High vitamin content Research into Maca powder is ongoing and initial studies suggest that it is rich in vitamins B, C and E, as well as being abundant in zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, amino acids and phosphorus. A great sex life! Maca powder has been used for centuries to help promote a healthy sex life in men and women alike, boosting both endurance and libido. Women's health The powder is also used to alleviate menstrual problems and the effects of the menopause. There is also anecdotal evidence that it helps to soothe depression and anxiety. It is important to note however that it shouldn't be taken by pregnant or lactating women, as its effects on these groups are yet to be quantified. Energy Maca is a great natural ingredient for enhancing stamina, and it is popular with athletes looking to boost their performance. Only a small amount is needed to feel the difference, both mentally and physically. Try adding it to a protein drink to help grow muscle mass after strength training, and add a spoon into a fresh juice before a cardio workout for an energy pop! Overall health Maca powder is also believed to help with wound healing, dental health and skin issues, helping to relieve sensitivity and to treat acne. It may also help with hormonal balance too. You can buy this superfood online at Detox Trading in convenient multi-serving packs, ready to add to your food and drinks. Start enjoying the benefits of Maca powder today!
