He Shou Wu

He Shou Wu Zhi is the medicine made of the much revered root of Polygonum Multiflorum.  Tonic in nature it nourishes vital essence, or what in Chinese Medicine is called Jing, or in Ayurveda Ojas.

While it is true that most people don't know what to do with, and waste the energy that they have, for one with some ability to direct their energy this herb presents some interesting possibilities.

He Shou Wu is famed for its ability to restore prematurely grey hair to its original color.  While I personally have not experienced this, it seems the energy this herb cultivates could easily be directed in such a direction.

He Shou Wu is a long term energy builder.  This means you will not experience immediate energy in like from taking a stimulant, but over time, the energy this herb cultivates can become almost uncontainable.  If you are not established in, it is not necessarily recommended.  If you have though mastered sublimation of energy, then this herb is useful in providing more energy.

The story goes that sterile and weak old alchoholic named Mr. He who began consuming the root daily after having a dream about it.  He then fathered many children and lived to be over a hundred years old with a full head of black hair.  This effectively illustrates the nourishing effects of He Shou Wu.

He Shou Wu is a structural tonic strengthening to low back and knees, joints and tendons.  It is a sexual tonic to both men and women and increases production and quality of sperm and vitality of ova.    He Shou Wu has an anti-inflamatory effect on the liver, and is both nourishing and cleansing to the blood.  He Shou Wu is supportive of the immune system.

After taking it almost daily for 6 months with little noticeable effect, I one day began to notice an energizing effect.  It could be that this quality was there all along, but at this time I became tuned to it and since recognize the subtle yet powerful effect of He Shou Wu in my body.  This is manifest as higher sexual and spiritual frequency and is harmonic with the cycles of the moon.  While this was at first disruptive, I have been able to incorporate this energy into my practice of yoga, meditation and life.

I have also begun to associate this herb with an ability to change undesirable habits.  It seems in some people to motivate them, or give them a certain energy to reassess negative patterns.  It seems to nourish us in a way that directs our energy and attention to who we authentically are.

It has crossed my mind that perhaps some of the energizing affect of this herb has to do with redirecting existing energy in a benevolent way.  What ever the mechanism, He Shou Wu is one of my favorite herbs and may be worthwhile for those with a serious practice, with at least some ability to direct their energy.