He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)

Longevity

Also known as: Polygonum multiflorum, Fo-Ti, Fleece flower root

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

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

PubMed (RCTs) ↗Randomized trials PubMed (all) ↗Full literature Cochrane Reviews ↗Systematic reviews Examine.com ↗Research summaries

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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

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Last reviewed: September 2026 by the Formulate Research Team. Sources cited above; methodology and scoring criteria published here.

Cite this page

Formulate Research Team. (2026, September). 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.