Polygonum 14™

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Overview

Polygonum 14 is a traditional Chinese herbal formula built around prepared He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti), traditionally used to help support healthy hair, scalp, and natural hair color, including thinning hair, premature graying, and dry, brittle strands. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, these patterns are traditionally associated with Kidney yin and Liver blood deficiency. Polygonum 14 is formulated to help nourish blood and support the scalp, hair, skin, nails, and bones.

Hair changes can have many causes, including genetics, hormonal or thyroid conditions, nutritional deficiencies, stress, medications, and medical treatment. Consider medical evaluation for persistent, sudden, or unexplained hair loss.

Clinical Applications & Benefits

Polygonum 14 is traditionally used to help support:

• Comfort during thinning hair or noticeable shedding
• The body's natural hair color over time
• Healthy scalp, skin, and nail moisture
• General vitality alongside other deficiency-related concerns

People supporting healthy hair, scalp, and natural color traditionally use formulas like this one as part of a broader, patient approach to hair care.

Key Herbs (TCM Data)

— Zhi He Shou Wu (Prepared Fo-Ti): the chief herb, traditionally used to replenish Liver and Kidney essence and tonify the blood in support of healthy hair and scalp.

— Mo Han Lian (Eclipta), Sang Shen (Mulberry Fruit), and Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum Fruit): traditionally used to support Liver and Kidney yin.

— Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia) and Hei Zhi Ma (Black Sesame Seed): traditionally used to nourish Liver blood in support of healthy hair.

— Bai Shao (White Peony Root): traditionally used to nourish Liver blood.

— Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Ge Gen (Kudzu Root): traditionally used to support healthy circulation to the scalp.

— Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome): traditionally used to support the formula's circulation-focused effects.

— Dang Gui (Dong Quai): traditionally used to nourish blood and support circulation.

— Da Zao (Chinese Red Date) and Gan Cao (Licorice Root): traditionally used to harmonize the formula.

Safety & Contraindications

1. Contains prepared He Shou Wu and Dang Gui; do not use this product if you have liver disease or liver-disease risk factors.
2. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use if you take warfarin or other anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications, or have a medical condition.
3. Stop use and seek medical advice if you develop concerning symptoms.
4. Traditional TCM patterns and actions described here are not a diagnosis and are not a substitute for medical care; consider medical evaluation for persistent, sudden, or unexplained hair loss.

Dosage & Directions

Standard dosage: 4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. Traditionally taken continuously for at least 2 months before evaluating results; changes in hair texture are typically noticed first, with changes in color taking longer. Patience is important, as changes do not happen immediately. If loose stools occur, lower the dose or take with food.

Supplementary formulas: For hair changes tied to stress, this formula is traditionally paired with Calm. For postpartum hair changes, it is traditionally paired with Imperial Tonic. For general bone support, it is traditionally paired with Osteo 8.

Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle

Nutrition: Biotin-rich foods such as green peas, oats, soybeans, sunflower seeds, and walnuts, along with kelp and seaweed, are traditionally recommended for healthy hair and skin. Protein-rich foods, and those high in collagen such as wild yam, taro, and lotus root, are also traditionally encouraged. Reducing smoking, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, and junk food is traditionally recommended.

Lifestyle: Gentle hair care is traditionally recommended: use natural bristle brushes, avoid excessive heat styling and chemical treatments, and rinse shampoo thoroughly. Brushing hair gently from back to front is traditionally used to help support scalp circulation. Managing stress, staying out of excessive sun, and maintaining a regular sleep schedule are also traditionally recommended.

Case Studies

The following reflect individual practitioner experiences and traditional use; results vary and are not guarantees of outcome for any individual.

"D.K., a 65-year-old woman, experienced noticeable hair shedding and dry skin, consistent with a Kidney yin and Liver blood deficiency pattern. After two months on Polygonum 14, she reported reduced shedding and hair that felt thicker and softer, along with more moisture in her skin."

"A.T., a 35-year-old man, experienced early graying, consistent with a Kidney yin deficiency pattern. After a course of Polygonum 14, he reported less new gray hair coming in and continued the formula for ongoing support."

"C.W., a 40-year-old man, experienced fatigue, poor sleep, occasional constipation, and premature graying tied to overwork, consistent with a Liver blood deficiency pattern. After combining Polygonum 14 with acupuncture, he reported better sleep, more energy, and improved regularity."

"A 22-year-old college student experienced dry skin and a patch of hair thinning near the scalp's crown, consistent with a yin deficiency pattern. After about six weeks on Polygonum 14, he reported hair that felt less brittle, improved structural fullness, and an enhanced overall sense of hair vitality and wellbeing."

Related Reading

Also see: Calm – for stress-related hair changes, Imperial Tonic – for postpartum recovery, and the Hair, Skin & Nails Collection for related formulas.

Not sure if this is the right formula for you? Start with our Unified Search, browse by symptom with our Symptom & Formula Finder, or use our Lab Test & Formula Reference.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.