Shou Wu Chih
Shou Wu Chih (simplified Chinese: 首乌汁; traditional Chinese: 首烏汁; pinyin: Shǒu Wū Zhī) is a Chinese patent medicine that is reputed to act as a tonic and to turn gray hair black.
Composition
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 (Solomon's Seal) - 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, Solomon's Seal, 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)
