Short answer: we found no human trial showing that any herb, supplement or home remedy restores natural hair color once it has turned white. Some popular herbs also carry real risks. This page used to list doses, percentages and study results that we could not verify, so we removed them.

What We Know

• Most advice online for reversing gray hair rests on lab studies, traditional use or testimonials, not on trials in people.
• Herb and supplement quality varies, and labels are not verified by a regulator.
• If your hair grays unusually early, ask a doctor. Early graying can sometimes accompany other health issues, and a clinician can check for them.

Fo-ti (He Shou Wu) Can Harm The Liver

Fo-ti, also called He Shou Wu or Polygonum multiflorum, is often promoted for gray hair. A 2019 systematic review of herb-induced liver injury, which pooled 31 studies, listed Polygonum multiflorum first among the main herbs causing liver injury. According to PubMed: Byeon JH, et al. J Ethnopharmacol. 2019;233:190-196, DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2019.01.006 (PMID 30639232).

Do not use Fo-ti if you have liver disease, drink heavily or take medicines that affect the liver. If you use any herb and notice dark urine, yellow skin or eyes, or severe tiredness, stop it and see a doctor. We do not give a safe dose.

Other Herbs Often Mentioned

Dong quai, ligustrum and bhringraj (eclipta) also appear in gray-hair advice. We found no human trials showing they restore hair color. A case report in PubMed (PMID 10417036) describes dong quai increasing the effect of warfarin, so check with a doctor or pharmacist first if you take blood thinners. Patch-test any new topical product.

What To Do Instead

• If you want to cover gray, hair dye or color products are the reliable option. Follow the patch-test instructions on the label.
• If you want to know why your hair is graying early, ask a doctor about blood tests.
• If you still want to try an herb, talk to a doctor or pharmacist first, especially if you take any medicine.

Last reviewed: November 2026. This article is for information only and is not medical advice.