Shou Wu Pian
Shou Wu Pian is an herbal formula widely used in China as an anti-aging tonic. It strengthens the energetic function of the kidneys. In terms of symptoms that means dealing with weak back and knees, frequent, urgent, and night urination, or incontinence, ringing in the ears, and prematurely gray hair, the type quickly advanced by illness, malnutrition, or excessive stress.
Fear is the emotion related to the kidneys, something that typically strong in children, with weak kidney function, and in elderly, as the kidney energy declines. The kidneys, in TCM, have to do with maturing, as the energy increases until puberty, and with the decline, what we think of as signs of aging. But we all know people who are old, at an early age, and those comparatively young in their 80's and 90's. This is an indication of their kidney energy. Babies who's kidney function has yet to strengthen have freguent, urgent, or night urination, and older people, with declining kidney energy have the same problems.
Shou Wu, or He Shou Wu, means "black haired Mr. Wu". Pian just means pill. It is one of the few Chinese herbal formulas that is just made up of a single herb. It was named after the peasant that left his village during a time of famine. Floods or droughts would drive peasants from their villages in search of food. After scouring the country side, going to the cities to beg, or falling in with bandit tribes, those that survived would return to their villages and start again. Enough grain for seed would saved to start their crops again. Even bandits wouldn't touch the seed grain, knowing that its consumption would bring famine and death to all.
Fear is the emotion related to the kidneys, something that typically strong in children, with weak kidney function, and in elderly, as the kidney energy declines. The kidneys, in TCM, have to do with maturing, as the energy increases until puberty, and with the decline, what we think of as signs of aging. But we all know people who are old, at an early age, and those comparatively young in their 80's and 90's. This is an indication of their kidney energy. Babies who's kidney function has yet to strengthen have freguent, urgent, or night urination, and older people, with declining kidney energy have the same problems.
Shou Wu, or He Shou Wu, means "black haired Mr. Wu". Pian just means pill. It is one of the few Chinese herbal formulas that is just made up of a single herb. It was named after the peasant that left his village during a time of famine. Floods or droughts would drive peasants from their villages in search of food. After scouring the country side, going to the cities to beg, or falling in with bandit tribes, those that survived would return to their villages and start again. Enough grain for seed would saved to start their crops again. Even bandits wouldn't touch the seed grain, knowing that its consumption would bring famine and death to all.
When Mr. Wu left his village, his hair was white, no doubt due to starvation. When he came back to the village his hair was black. "What did you eat? " his neighbors ask. "All I could find to eat was this one root. " was his reply. That root was He Shou Wu.
People often ask how the Chinese came up with all the weird herbs they did. Herbs, by the way, include animal, vegetable and mineral, though the majority of the formulas are vegetable. Starvation is a strong motivator to try new and unusual things. This is one of many herbs that were undoubtedly discovered with such motivation.
Shou Wu Pian is available at many Health Food Stores, in the Plum Flower Brand, a good quality brand. Plum Flower Chinese herbal formulas have the GMP rating, the highest international rating for herbs.
Shou Wu Pian should be avoided by people with colds or flu, diarrhea, loose stools or on going digestive problems, all of which should be addressed by a Licensed Acupuncturist. But for other people with problems with urination, weak lower back and knees, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) it is a good formula to try. If results are not apparent in a weeks time then the underlying pattern is not merely one of weak kidney energy and a Licensed Acupuncturist should be consulted.
Health & Happiness,
Nancy Burton, L.Ac.
534 Washington St. Ashland, OR 97520
For Appointments Call: 541-646-0134
Shou Wu Pian should be avoided by people with colds or flu, diarrhea, loose stools or on going digestive problems, all of which should be addressed by a Licensed Acupuncturist. But for other people with problems with urination, weak lower back and knees, and ringing in the ears (tinnitus) it is a good formula to try. If results are not apparent in a weeks time then the underlying pattern is not merely one of weak kidney energy and a Licensed Acupuncturist should be consulted.
Health & Happiness,
Nancy Burton, L.Ac.
534 Washington St. Ashland, OR 97520
For Appointments Call: 541-646-0134
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