Polygonum 14™

TCM herbal formula with Zhi He Shou Wu (Prepared Fo-Ti / He Shou Wu) — originally developed for Empress Chi-Xi, the last empress of China, in the 19th century by a private doctor in the Forbidden City — for hair disorders: alopecia (hair loss, baldness), premature gray hair, and brittle unhealthy hair with split ends; scalp, skin, and nail dryness with unhealthy complexion; anemia; osteoporosis — replenishes jing (essence); promotes growth and maintains health of hair, skin, nails, and bones; nourishes blood and promotes circulation to the scalp; hematopoietic; osteogenic; antioxidant.

⚠️ Contraindicated in individuals with exterior or excess conditions. Rich and cloying formula — some patients may experience loose stools; alleviate by lowering the dosage or taking with food. Contains Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) which invigorates blood circulation — patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies such as Coumadin (warfarin) should use with caution or not at all (higher risk of bleeding and bruising). Contains Zhi He Shou Wu (PREPARED form) — the PREPARED form is a safe tonic herb; the UNPREPARED form (Sheng Shou Wu) is a stimulant laxative with risk of liver disorder (dose- and time-dependent, reversible upon discontinuation). Due to medical risks and legal liabilities, do NOT use either form in patients with pre-existing or risk factors of liver disease. Take continuously for 2 months before making an evaluation — hair texture changes in approximately 2 months; hair color changes in 4–6 months.

Historical note: Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata) has been known as a popular antiaging herb since the Ming dynasty (14th century) in China, often used by sages and Taoist monks to enhance longevity. Empress Chi-Xi took this formula throughout her life — it became the secret to her shiny, black hair even in her eighties. Western medicine offers very limited options for hair disorders — Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride) are often disappointing, with staggering side effects including sexual dysfunction, and hair loss resumes after discontinuation. TCM is significantly superior: it restores normal appearance and texture of hair, promotes lasting hair growth with 4–6 months of continuous use, and has an antiaging effect to improve overall well-being.

TCM pathophysiology: Hair loss, premature gray hair, and unhealthy hair are signs of Kidney yin with Liver blood deficiency. Common causes include heredity, infection, endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, menopause), postpartum weakness, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and drugs (chemotherapy, radiation, anticoagulants, oral contraceptives, ACE inhibitors, beta blockers, anticonvulsants, lithium, and others). Proper blood circulation to the scalp is also an important factor for healthy hair.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Hair disorders: alopecia (hair loss, baldness), premature gray hair, and brittle unhealthy hair with split ends

* Scalp, skin, and nails: dryness with unhealthy complexion

* Other deficiency conditions: anemia and osteoporosis

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata / Prepared Fo-Ti / Prepared Polygonum / He Shou Wu): chief herb — indispensable for treating any hair disorder; replenishes vital essence of the Liver and Kidney; tonifies the blood; promotes hair growth and stimulates increase in number and size of hair follicles — mechanism attributed to induction of the anagen phase in resting hair follicles (upregulates Shh and β-catenin expression); antioxidant — strongly inhibits destruction of superoxide dismutase by UVB; protects against photo-aging of the skin; PREPARED form: safe tonic herb — Maillard reaction during processing with Hei Dou (Semen Sojae) generates new compounds, changes composition of sugars and 16 amino acids, reduces pH from 6.28 to 5.61, eliminating adverse reactions of the unprepared root; clinical: 24 alopecia patients treated with oral and topical applications — good results; 36 gray hair patients (20 partial, 16 complete white discoloration) — 88.89% effective after 10-year clinical trial (24 significant improvement, 8 moderate improvement); osteoporosis formula with Zhi He Shou Wu as main ingredient — 90.8% effective in 76 cases (12 significant, 57 moderate, 7 no benefit)

— Mo Han Lian (Herba Ecliptae / Eclipta / Yerbadetajo): tonifies Liver and Kidney yin to benefit the hair

— Sang Shen (Fructus Mori / Mulberry Fruit / Morus): tonifies Liver and Kidney yin to benefit the hair

— Nu Zhen Zi (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi / Ligustrum Fruit / Glossy Privet Fruit): tonifies Liver and Kidney yin to benefit the hair; hematopoietic — stimulates production of blood through bone marrow hematopoietic cells (CFU-S and CFU-E)

— Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata / Prepared Rehmannia): tonifies Liver blood; nourishes the hair; hematopoietic — stimulates production of blood through bone marrow hematopoietic cells (CFU-S and CFU-E); antioxidant — scavenges reactive oxygen species; suppresses adverse effects of UV radiation (DNA fragmentation, mitochondrial damage, apoptosis)

— Hei Zhi Ma (Semen Sesami Nigrum / Black Sesame Seed): tonifies Liver blood; nourishes the hair; antioxidant — potency comparable to ascorbic acid (standard antioxidant) in vitro assays

— Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba / White Peony Root): tonifies Liver blood; nourishes the hair

— Huang Qi (Radix Astragali / Astragalus / Milk Vetch Root): ascending property — carries therapeutic functions of the formula to the scalp; increases blood circulation to the scalp

— Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae / Kudzu Root / Pueraria): ascending property — carries therapeutic functions of the formula to the scalp

— Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi / Cinnamon Twig): ascending property — carries therapeutic functions of the formula to the scalp

— Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong / Sichuan Lovage Rhizome / Ligusticum): improves microcirculation; nourishes the blood; increases peripheral blood circulation by reducing agglutination and peripheral activities of platelets; antioxidant — protects endothelial cells against hydrogen peroxide damage by enhancing antioxidative ability and activating ERK and eNOS signaling pathways (combined with Dang Gui)

— Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis / Dong Quai / Chinese Angelica Root): improves microcirculation; nourishes the blood; hematopoietic — stimulates production of blood through bone marrow hematopoietic cells; osteogenic — directly stimulates proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, protein secretion, and type I collagen synthesis of human osteoprecursor cells in a dose-dependent manner; enhances deposition of hyaluronic acid and proliferation of osteoblasts in vitro; promotes bone regeneration; antioxidant — protects endothelial cells against hydrogen peroxide damage (combined with Chuan Xiong)

— Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae / Jujube / Chinese Red Date): harmonizes the formula

— Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae / Licorice Root): harmonizes the formula

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Hair growth / follicle stimulation — Zhi He Shou Wu (promotes hair growth; stimulates number and size of hair follicles; induces anagen phase in resting follicles; upregulates Shh and β-catenin); clinical: 24 alopecia patients — good results oral + topical; 36 gray hair patients — 88.89% effective over 10-year trial

* Hematopoietic — Dang Gui + Nu Zhen Zi + Shu Di Huang (stimulate bone marrow hematopoietic cells CFU-S and CFU-E); Chuan Xiong (increases peripheral blood circulation; reduces platelet agglutination)

* Osteogenic / antiosteoporotic — Di Huang (stimulates osteoblast proliferation; inhibits osteoclast generation; prevents osteoporotic bone loss from ovariectomy); Dang Gui (type I collagen synthesis↑; osteoblast proliferation↑; hyaluronic acid deposition↑; bone regeneration↑); clinical: Zhi He Shou Wu formula — 90.8% effective in 76 osteoporosis cases

* Antioxidant — Zhi He Shou Wu (UVB protection; superoxide dismutase↑; photo-aging↓); Shu Di Huang (reactive oxygen species scavenging; UV-induced DNA fragmentation↓, mitochondrial damage↓, apoptosis↓); Hei Zhi Ma (potency comparable to ascorbic acid in vitro); Dang Gui + Chuan Xiong (endothelial cell protection against hydrogen peroxide; ERK and eNOS signaling↑)

* Circulatory — Huang Qi + Ge Gen + Gui Zhi (ascending properties; increases blood circulation to scalp); Chuan Xiong + Dang Gui (improves microcirculation; nourishes blood)

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Replenishes Kidney jing (essence); tonifies Liver and Kidney yin; promotes growth and maintains health of hair, skin, nails, and bones (Zhi He Shou Wu, Mo Han Lian, Sang Shen, Nu Zhen Zi)

* Tonifies Liver blood; nourishes the hair (Shu Di Huang, Hei Zhi Ma, Bai Shao, Dang Gui)

* Nourishes blood; promotes circulation to the scalp (Chuan Xiong, Dang Gui)

* Ascending properties — carries formula to the scalp (Huang Qi, Ge Gen, Gui Zhi)

* Harmonizes the formula (Da Zao, Gan Cao)

DOSAGE

Standard: 4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. Take continuously for 2 months before making an evaluation. Most patients report changes in hair texture within 2 months, and changes in hair color in 4–6 months. Be patient — changes will not occur immediately.

Supplementary formulas: Hair loss due to chemotherapy and radiation — add C/R Support. Hair loss due to stress — add Calm. Post-partum hair loss — add Schisandra ZZZ or Imperial Tonic. Low libido — add Vitality. Vaginal dryness — add Balance Spring. Prevention of osteoporosis — add Osteo 8. Forgetfulness — add Enhance Memory. Appetite control for weight loss — add Herbalite. Breast health — add Venus. Acne — add Dermatrol (Clear). Tonify blood — add Schisandra ZZZ. Depression — use Shine or Shine (DS). Constipation — use Gentle Lax (Deficient). Blurry vision or tinnitus — add Nourish. Tonify Kidney yang — add Kidney Tonic (Yang). Tonify Kidney yin — add Kidney Tonic (Yin). Blood stagnation — add Circulation (SJ).

Nutrition: Biotin — found in green peas, oats, soybeans, sunflower seeds, and walnuts — is essential for healthy hair and skin; kelp and seaweed are also excellent daily choices. Protein is the essential makeup of hair — intake of foods high in protein such as milk, fish, egg, and beans is recommended. Foods high in collagen improve elasticity and shine of hair: wild yam, taro, lotus root, and tendons. Vitamins A and B improve circulation to the scalp and promote hair growth. Increase intake of water, vegetables, fruits, seeds, and nuts for dry skin. Those with dandruff can increase intake of vitamins B₆ and B₁₂. Avoid cigarette smoking and second-hand smoke, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and junk food.

Lifestyle: Stay out of the sun — it can dry and damage skin and hair. Stress impairs delivery of nutrients to the scalp by causing stagnation — stay away from stressful situations. Use natural bristle brushes — avoid brushes with sharp tips that may scrape the scalp. To invigorate circulation to the scalp, brush hair 100 times from the back of the head towards the front with the head down, at least twice a day. Untangle hair with a brush before shampooing. Use mild shampoo; water temperature should not be too hot. Massage the scalp while shampooing. Rinse completely — leaving shampoo or conditioning residues clogs hair pores. Dry hair by gently patting with a towel instead of rubbing. Avoid blow-drying and hair products such as gel, mousse, and hairspray. Avoid chemical treatments, perms, and color. Avoid swimming as much as possible — chlorine damages hair; if unavoidable, wear a cap or rub baby oil into the hair. Get regular exercise and establish a normal pattern of sleep.

CASE STUDIES

— D.K., 65-year-old female: Dry skin and thinning hair — waking up to a pillow covered with hair; Kidney yang and Liver blood deficiency. Polygonum 14 — started at 2 caps 3x daily, gradually increased to 4 caps (sensitive digestive system — no digestive upset). Result at 2 months: hair no longer falling out all over the pillow; root no longer attached to hairs that came out; hair beginning to thicken and soften; skin more moist. Also received acupuncture for Kidney yang deficiency.

— A.T., 35-year-old male: Gray hair present since the previous year; forceful pulse, weak in Kidney areas; Kidney yin deficiency. Polygonum 14 — 4 caps 3x daily. Result: less gray hair coming in; continuing to take the formula with ongoing improvement.

— T.W., 47-year-old female: Habit of frequently coloring hair; thinning hair breaking off easily. Polygonum 14 — 4 caps 3x daily for many months. Result: very pleased with results; noticed new growth that had grown in more red than her normal color.

— Two females, ages 54 and 55: Hair loss attributed to blood deficiency with underlying Liver yin and Spleen qi deficiencies. Polygonum 14. Result: new hair growth; normalization of bowel movements. Practitioner concluded Polygonum 14 "quite effective in treating hair loss due to aging."

— C.W., 40-year-old male: Tiredness, poor sleep, constipation, gray hair, overwork, high cholesterol; BP 130/80 mmHg, HR 80 bpm; Liver blood deficiency. Polygonum 14 — 2g 3x daily + acupuncture. Result: sleep quality improved; energy level increased; constipation relieved; cholesterol dropped from 223 to 190 mg/dL.

— 22-year-old male college student: Dry skin and hair loss on scalp with patch near vertex; drug use and smoking; depression; rapid full pulse; crimson tongue; restless; yin deficiency and fluid consumption from overuse of stimulants. Polygonum 14 for less than 1 month. Result: hair felt less brittle; no hair strands on pillow; patch less noticeable; new hair growth at 1½ months; increased energy; more cheerful disposition; less restless; refrained from drugs and smoking without withdrawal signs or cravings. Hair became darker (naturally dark blonde).

— 35-year-old female singer: Hair loss, fatigue, low energy; pale tongue; soft pulse; cold feet; Kidney yang deficiency. Polygonum 14. Result: excellent results. Practitioner concluded Polygonum 14 "quite effective" for Kidney yin deficiency, Spleen qi deficiency, and especially hair loss symptoms.

Related Reading

Also see: C/R Support – for hair loss due to chemotherapy and radiation | Calm – for hair loss due to stress | Schisandra ZZZ – for post-partum hair loss or to tonify blood | Imperial Tonic – for post-partum hair loss | Vitality – for low libido | Balance Spring – for vaginal dryness | Osteo 8 – for osteoporosis prevention | Enhance Memory – for forgetfulness | Herbalite – for appetite control and weight loss | Venus – for breast health | Dermatrol (Clear) – for acne | Shine – for depression | Shine (DS) – for depression | Gentle Lax (Deficient) – for constipation | Nourish – for blurry vision or tinnitus | Kidney Tonic (Yang) – to tonify Kidney yang | Kidney Tonic (Yin) – to tonify Kidney yin | Circulation (SJ) – for blood stagnation | Hair, Skin & Nails Support Collection.