Is it Safe to Consume He Shou Wu for Breastfeeding to Prevent Hair Loss?

Thanks for your question! Our Healthcare Expert will be answering some questions every week but in the meantime, here's a little tip from our Careline! He Shou Wu Root (Or "Foti" as some call it) is a powerful Kidney and Liver tonic. It is also widely used for restoring gray hair back to colour. Till today there is no detailed modern safety studies that is performed on this herb. So it is not advisable for young children, pregnant or nursing women or even those with severe kidney or liver disease to consume this herb without a health practitioner advice. Hair loss is very common and normal during your nursing period which is partly due to your estrogen levels which take a tumble. These shouldn't last long with proper care and good eating habits. You may want to try switching to hair products which is suitable for oily or hair loss and follow-up with more frequent scalp treatment which helps improve the situation. Most importantly, do not stress yourself too much as you take care of your baby and have ample rest to recuperate your body after childbirth which helps to improve body blood circulation and in turns it helps on your hair growth and lessen the chances of hair dropping.

The Traditional Chinese Medicine(TCM) perspective holds that hair quality and quantity are a reflection of internal health of organs and vital substancs. The organs that are associated with the quality of hair are liver and kidney. During pre and post partum, a mother's liver blood and kidney essence may become defient and this in turn causes hair to become thinner and more brittle, leading to hair fall. He Shou Wu or Fo Ti, is often used tor hair loss, premature greaying of hair and longevity. It is believed to be a kidney, liver and blood tonic which can improve the problem of hair fall and hair loss. Black sesame seeds and black beans are other alternatives of kidney and liver tonics commonly used to help nourish the body and improve the quality of hair. However, always seek a licensed TCM physician's perspective before taking any form of TCM as every individual's body constitution may vary.

I don't suggest bf mums to take herbs or any kind when they are bf. Who knows what might be passed thru to the bm to your bb. Hair loss is very common post birth, so dont worry too much! Keep to the natural way, like for eg, keeping a healthy and clean scalp is very important. Gradually, the hair drops will reduced in no time to come. Try to switch a a milder shampoo that can be used daily, these kind are not strong and will not be too "stressful" to your scalp.

Fo-ti is a kind of chinese herb that is used for many purposes, or so it claimed. There has been no studies in this herb and its efficacy and safety, hence I would suggest that you dont use it, especially since you are bf your baby. and hey, it is common for a mother to drop hair, especially when your bb is around 3 months old (or can laugh/smile that time). This is a passing phase, and many mothers have been thru that, including me. Soon, it will be over, just ensure that u eat a well balanced diet and take plenty of fluids. Continue to wash your hair daily with a mild shampoo, because oily scalp will make hair loss more.