Shou Wu Chih

"Shou Wu Chih" (Chinese: ; pinyin: Shǒu Wū Zhī) is a Chinese patent medicine that is reputed to act as a tonic and to turn gray hair black.

Ingredients

Shou Wu Chih is a sweetened, black-colored liquid containing 15% alcohol, as well as various herbs. Its herbal ingredients include the following:

*Root of "Polygonum multiflorum" (Radix Polygoni multiflori, also called "fo-ti" or "ho shou wu") - 25%
*Root of "Angelica sinensis" (Chinese angelica, also called "dong quai" or "danggui") - 25%
*Rhizome of "Polygonatum sibiricum" (King Solomonseal) - 20%
*Rhizome of "Rehmannia glutinosa" - 10%
*Rhizome of "Ligusticum wallichii" (Chinese lovage, also called "Ligusticum chuanxiong") - 10%
*Root of "Angelica dahurica" (Dahurian Angelica, also called "Angelica glabra" Makino) - 7%
*Fruit of "Amomum villosum" (Villous Amomum, a type of cardamom) - 2%
*Clove - 1%

Other ingredients may also include:
*"Hedychium coronarium" (white ginger)
*"Jambosa caryophy" Llus Ndz
*Citron ("Citrus medica")
*"Conioselinum univittatum" Turcz

Depending on the manufacturer, Shou Wu Chih may or may not contain alcohol. The listing of ingredients on an alcohol-free brand is: Fo-ti, Angelica root, Rehmannia, Ligusticum, Solomonseal, Angelica dahurica, Cloves, Citri medica, Cardamon in distilled water base.

(Note: Fo-ti, though not actually a Chinese name, is commonly used in the USA for products containing Polygonum Multiflorum)

Use

Shou wu chih is sold in glass bottles. It is generally consumed by adding between one and three tablespoons to a cup of hot water, tea, or soup.

Shou wu chih is a liquid tonic formula for men and women. It is claimed by the manufacturers that it gently increases the energy level and it tonifies, warms, and invigorates the blood, nourishes the liver and kidneys, and benefits the eyes. It is saidweasel-inlinethat regular use strengthens the bones and tendons and improves sleep.Fact|date=December 2007 Based on the herb Polygonum Multiflorum (Chinese: He shou wu or fo-ti), it is suitable for long-term use.

Production and export

Shou Wu Chih is produced in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, under the brand name Yang Cheng. It is exported to other nations, including the United States.

Many Shou Wu tonics are produced in many cities in China and can be purchased at many pharmacy shops in China. Some health food stores in the United States import Shou Wu capsules, and Shou Wu herb.

ee also

*Traditional Chinese medicine
*Chinese classic herbal formula
*Patent medicine