He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)
Longevity
Also known as: Polygonum multiflorum, Fo-Ti, Fleece flower root
C
Grade C💊 500-1000mg prepared form daily🎯 4 primary uses🔗 2 synergies⚠️ Review warnings
Levels upVitality+50 pts
Overview
Traditional Chinese longevity herb for hair, vitality, and jing essence. Contains stilbenes and anthraquinones. Requires proper preparation.
Primary Uses
Hair healthLongevityVitalityJing support
Frequently Asked About He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)
How much He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) should I take?
The typical effective range is 500-1000mg prepared form daily. Individual needs vary based on age, body weight, diet, and goals — start at the lower end and adjust based on response. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
When is the best time to take He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)?
With meals. Consistency matters more than perfect timing — pick a daily anchor (e.g. with breakfast or before bed) and stick with it.
Should I take He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) with food?
Yes.
Does He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) interact with medications?
Yes — known interactions include Hepatotoxic drugs and May affect drug metabolism. If you take any prescription medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti).
What does He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) pair well with?
He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) stacks well with Other TCM tonics and In traditional formulas — these combinations either improve absorption or work synergistically toward common goals.
Who should not take He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)?
He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) should be avoided or used with caution by people with Liver disease and Pregnancy. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before use.
What are the side effects of He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)?
Most people tolerate He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) well. The most commonly reported side effects are GI upset and Diarrhea. Side effects are usually dose-dependent — lowering the dose often resolves them.
Dosage
Typical range
500-1000mg prepared form daily
Timing
With meals
With food
Yes
Duration
Cycle use, monitor liver
Special Populations
Hair, longevity, TCM protocols
Research & Studies
Search the literature now
We haven’t curated landmark studies for He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)yet — one-click into the primary literature here. PubMed (RCTs) is usually the highest-signal starting point.
Search He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) research
Mechanism of Action
- • Contains stilbenes (similar to resveratrol)
- • Anthraquinone content
- • Traditional jing tonic
- • Hair and vitality support
Evidence Quality
Evidence Grade C
Traditional use strong, some safety concerns with preparation
Safety & Contraindications
Serious Warnings
- • Liver toxicity reported, especially raw form
- • Use prepared form only
Contraindications
- • Liver disease
- • Pregnancy
Common Side Effects
- • GI upset
- • Diarrhea
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Avoid
Liver & Kidney Notes
Hepatotoxicity risk - monitor liver function
Interactions
💊 Medications
- • Hepatotoxic drugs
- • May affect drug metabolism
🧪 Supplements
- • Used in TCM formulas
🍽️ Food & Alcohol
- • Avoid alcohol (liver)
Stacking & Synergies
Pairs Well With
Other TCM tonicsIn traditional formulas
Avoid Combining With
Hepatotoxic substances
Best Goal Synergies
Hair healthLongevity (TCM)
Buying Guide
What to Look For
- • Prepared/processed form only
- • Reputable TCM source
Standardization Markers
Prepared vs raw criticalStilbene content
Adulteration risk
Moderate
Practical Notes
- • MUST use prepared form - raw causes liver damage
- • Traditional preparation critical
- • Monitor liver function
Tags
tcmlongevityhairjing
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Last reviewed: June 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.
Cite this page
Formulate Research Team. (2026, June). He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) — Evidence-Based Supplement Guide. Formulate Supplement Encyclopedia. https://app.formulate-health.app/learning/supplements/he-shou-wu
Educational content based on published research and our scoring methodology. Not medical advice — consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing supplements, especially if you take medications, are pregnant, or have a medical condition.