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
Overview
Traditional Chinese longevity herb for hair, vitality, and jing essence. Contains stilbenes and anthraquinones. Requires proper preparation.
Primary Uses
Hair healthLongevityVitalityJing support
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
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
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.
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.