He Shou Wu, Chinese Yam & Black Sesame Paste

Why people make this paste

Going grey early is something many people accept as simply “how they are” — and for some, it is indeed genetic. But in traditional Chinese food therapy, premature greying and hair thinning are often linked to an underlying depletion of the liver and kidney systems, which are said to govern blood production and hair vitality. Nourilo’s recipe addresses this with three time-honoured ingredients: processed he shou wu root, Chinese yam, and black sesame — all deeply associated in Chinese herbal tradition with nourishing the blood, strengthening the kidneys, and feeding the scalp from within.

This paste is ground into a fine powder and stirred with hot water into a porridge-like consistency each morning or evening. It has a mild, slightly herby flavour — not bitter — and is easy to work into a daily routine. One batch makes about ten servings.

Method

1. Dry all three ingredients thoroughly: toast the black sesame seeds in a dry pan over low heat until fragrant (about 5–8 minutes, stirring often — do not let them burn). Dry the he shou wu and Chinese yam in an oven at low heat (about 150°C / 300°F) for 20–25 minutes.
2. Once completely cooled and dry, grind each ingredient separately into a fine powder using a blender, spice grinder, or food processor.
3. Combine all three powders in a large bowl and mix thoroughly until evenly blended.
4. Store in a clean, airtight jar away from moisture.
5. To serve: measure out about 30 g (approximately 30 g / 2.5 tablespoons) of the blended powder per serving. Add to a small pot with enough warm water to form a loose paste, then heat gently until it bubbles and thickens to your liking. Stir well and eat while warm. You may sweeten with a small amount of honey if desired.

Nourilo’s Tips

This paste can be eaten either in the morning or evening — both are effective. If you find the flavour slightly dry or intense, a drizzle of honey works beautifully to balance it. If you’d rather not grind your own powder, look for ready-made he shou wu black sesame paste sachets at Chinese supermarkets or health food shops — about half a sachet per day is a good starting dose. Black sesame must be toasted and ground before eating; whole raw sesame seeds pass through the digestive system largely unabsorbed and provide little benefit. The batch makes about 10 servings, so it’s convenient to prepare in advance and dip into daily.