The world of natural skincare is rediscovering the wisdom of traditional herbal medicine—and few herbs embody this better than He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum). Known for its legendary use in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote vitality and longevity, this revered root also brings remarkable skin benefits when used topically. When paired with nutrient-rich tallow, the result is a powerhouse combination that deeply nourishes, replenishes, and revitalises the skin.
In this post, we’ll explore the incredible benefits of He Shou Wu, its synergy with tallow, and how this combination shines in our luxurious Renew Tallow Balm, enhanced with sandalwood, rose, and bakuchiol.
Why Tallow is a Time-Tested Skincare Staple
1. Skin-Compatible Fats
Tallow is composed of fatty acids that mimic those naturally found in healthy human skin—such as oleic, stearic, and palmitic acid. This compatibility allows it to:
-
Sink in deeply to nourish and restore.
-
Strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.
-
Support repair and regeneration, making it ideal for dry, reactive, or mature skin.
2. Fat-Soluble Vitamins for Skin Health
Tallow provides vitamins A, D, E, and K in their whole, bioavailable forms:
-
Vitamin A supports cell turnover and softens the appearance of fine lines.
-
Vitamin E protects the skin from oxidative stress.
-
Vitamin D and K promote healing and improve skin elasticity and tone.
3. Long-Lasting Moisture
As an occlusive, tallow helps prevent water loss while allowing the skin to breathe—locking in hydration without clogging pores.
He Shou Wu: The Longevity Herb for Skin Vitality
He Shou Wu, also known as Fo-Ti, is one of the most revered herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), with a legendary reputation for promoting longevity, vitality, and hair health. Its name—literally translating to “Black-Haired Mr. He”—comes from a famous Chinese tale about a man named He who regained his youthful vigor and black hair after taking this root regularly. The story helped to embed He Shou Wu into the cultural and medicinal landscape of China for centuries, marking it as a symbol of restoration, rejuvenation, and the reversal of aging.
In Chinese medicine, He Shou Wu is classified as a tonic herb, primarily nourishing the Liver and Kidneys—organs associated with life force (Jing), blood, and the health of the hair, bones, and reproductive system.
Historically, this root has also been used as a preventative medicine for age-related degeneration and to support the Shen (spirit), often included in herbal prescriptions aimed at calming the mind, improving sleep, and boosting overall vitality. It has also been used externally in TCM for skin and scalp conditions, where its blood-moving and nourishing properties help to revitalize dull skin and support hair follicle health.
Traditionally taken internally to nourish the blood, support hair growth, and promote youthfulness, He Shou Wu also offers impressive topical benefits when infused into oil:
1. Antioxidant-Rich and Anti-Aging
He Shou Wu is rich in stilbene glycosides and other phytonutrients known for their antioxidant activity. Topically, these help to:
-
Protect against oxidative stress and environmental damage.
-
Support collagen synthesis, improving elasticity and firmness.
-
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness.
2. Skin Tonic for Vitality and Glow
Used over time, He Shou Wu acts as a rejuvenating tonic for tired or depleted skin:
-
Promotes cell renewal and radiance.
-
Improves circulation, helping nutrients reach the skin more effectively.
-
Revitalises the complexion, making it ideal for mature or lifeless skin.
3. Soothing and Strengthening
With its grounding and nourishing energetics, He Shou Wu:
-
Calms inflamed or sensitive skin.
-
Strengthens the skin barrier.
-
Helps restore vitality to stressed or compromised skin.
The Renew Balm: Nature’s Answer to Aging and Depletion
Our Renew Tallow Balm combines the ancient wisdom of He Shou Wu with tallow and other botanicals chosen for their ability to restore balance and vitality to the skin. Sandalwood, rose, and bakuchiol elevate the formula for even deeper rejuvenation.
Key Ingredients in Renew Tallow Balm
He Shou Wu
-
A revered longevity tonic that restores vitality and elasticity.
-
Antioxidant-rich and deeply nourishing for aging or stressed skin.
Tallow
-
Replenishes and repairs the skin’s natural lipid barrier.
-
Provides essential fat-soluble nutrients for lasting skin health.
Sandalwood
-
Calms inflammation and promotes clarity.
-
Evens skin tone and encourages a radiant glow.
Rose
-
Hydrating and antioxidant-rich.
-
Refines texture and soothes delicate skin.
Bakuchiol
-
A gentle, plant-based alternative to retinol.
-
Boosts collagen and fades fine lines without irritation.
How Renew Balm Revitalises Your Skin
1. Anti-Aging and Replenishing
The synergy between He Shou Wu, tallow, and bakuchiol works to:
-
Stimulate collagen production.
-
Visibly reduce fine lines and sagging.
-
Revive dull, lifeless skin.
2. Deep Hydration That Lasts
Tallow locks in moisture while He Shou Wu and rose extract enhance skin suppleness and resilience.
3. Revitalised, Glowing Complexion
Sandalwood and He Shou Wu energise the skin, restoring glow and harmony.
4. Gentle Yet Potent
Every ingredient in Renew Balm is chosen for its ability to nurture even the most sensitive skin—without compromising on results.
If you’re seeking a skincare ritual rooted in tradition, backed by nature, and visibly effective—Renew Tallow Balm with He Shou Wu is your answer. Experience the skin-transforming magic of ancestral botanicals and let your natural glow rise to the surface.
Read more

In the quest for healthier, radiant skin, essential oils have gained popularity, but they’re not always the safest choice—especially for sensitive skin. At Gaia Uncovered, we advocate for whole pla...

If you’re serious about skin health, eliminating PUFAs from both your diet and your skincare routine is a must. These unstable fats accelerate inflammation, aging, and skin barrier damage, countera...
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.