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He Shou Wu — the famous one, and its real risk 何首乌 — 须知风险
Hair & Greying (black hair) 乌发养发 traditional evidenceWhat the evidence says:
The legendary "Mr He's black hair" herb (制何首乌) is TRADITIONAL ONLY for greying — no reliable human trials. More important: it has WELL-DOCUMENTED liver-injury reports (regulatory warnings in China, UK, Australia). We list it for education and history — NOT as a recommendation.
The legendary "Mr He's black hair" herb (制何首乌) is TRADITIONAL ONLY for greying — no reliable human trials. More important: it has WELL-DOCUMENTED liver-injury reports (regulatory warnings in China, UK, Australia). We list it for education and history — NOT as a recommendation.
How to make it
Deliberately none. If you are set on it, only under a licensed practitioner with liver-function monitoring, using properly PREPARED (制) root — never raw, never self-dosed.
Why it works
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Classical source
The Tang-era legend of Mr He (何) whose hair re-blackened gave the herb its name; canonised in Bencao Gangmu (1596).
Cautions: Documented hepatotoxicity (idiosyncratic liver injury). Avoid entirely with any liver condition, alcohol issues, or hepatotoxic medication. This entry exists so you know both the legend AND the risk.
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