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He Shou Wu, Walnut and Black Sesame Paste

Traditionally associated with supporting liver and kidney health, nourishing blood and promoting hair vitality

By · Registered Nutritionist & TCM Practitioner

Prep
20 min
Cook
15 min
Total
35 min
Makes
1 serving per preparation; recipe makes multiple servings of powder
Children's WellnessSkin & Natural BeautyLiver WellnessKidney & Urinary WellnessSleep & CalmEnergy & VitalityBlood NourishmentEveryday Balance
He Shou Wu, Walnut and Black Sesame Paste

Why people make this paste

Thick, lustrous hair is admired across cultures, but many people — including younger adults — struggle with premature greying or hair loss. Chinese food therapy has long paid attention to this issue. The causes are varied: genetics, hormonal imbalance, scalp inflammation, chronic stress, poor sleep, smoking and unbalanced diet all play roles. The first step is identifying the cause. If the underlying driver is emotional — stress, anxiety, or prolonged sadness — addressing that directly matters more than any food remedy. But where the problem is rooted in liver and kidney deficiency, nutritional insufficiency or blood quality, Chinese food therapy has a well-developed set of responses.

This warm, slightly nutty-tasting paste uses three celebrated ingredients: processed he shou wu (a prepared root associated with supporting hair and kidney health), walnut (warming to the kidneys and thought to nourish the brain) and black sesame (deeply nourishing to the liver and kidneys in Chinese tradition). Together they are traditionally regarded as one of the most effective food combinations for hair vitality.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the role of he shou wu in this paste, and does it matter which form I use?

This recipe specifically calls for processed (zhi) he shou wu, which is prepared with black bean juice and yellow rice wine and is the form traditionally used in food therapy for supporting hair, liver and kidney health. Raw (sheng) he shou wu is used for different purposes — detoxification and as a laxative — so the distinction matters. Chinese herbal shops generally stock the processed form.

How often should I take this paste, and how is each serving prepared?

The recipe suggests taking it daily or every other day. For each serving, take 2 tablespoons of the stored powder, add to 450 ml of water in a small pot, and simmer over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring. Thicken to a smooth, pourable consistency by gradually stirring in a little cornstarch mixed with cold water.

How much powder does one batch make, and how long does it take to prepare?

The recipe yields a batch of powder that provides multiple servings, with each preparation described as one serving once the powder is cooked into paste. Total preparation and cook time is 35 minutes — 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking.

What kind of hair concerns is this paste traditionally associated with?

This paste is traditionally associated with supporting hair colour and reducing hair loss linked to nutritional or constitutional deficiency, specifically where the underlying issue is rooted in liver and kidney deficiency or blood quality. The recipe notes that if hair loss or greying has an emotional root — such as chronic stress, anxiety, or prolonged sadness — addressing that directly matters more than any food remedy.

Are there any convenient alternatives if I do not want to make the powder from scratch?

The recipe notes that ready-made he shou wu black sesame paste or powder sachets are available in Chinese supermarkets, and that brewing one sachet a day is an easy, tasty option for those who prefer not to make their own powder.

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