He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)
Polygonum multiflorum
何首乌
Pinyin: Hé Shǒu Wū
Plant Family
Polygonaceae
Part Used
Root (prepared/processed form is standard - Zhi He Shou Wu)
Origin
Guizhou, Guangxi, Sichuan, Henan provinces of China
Safety Level
Caution
Overview
He Shou Wu is the tuberous root of Polygonum multiflorum, a climbing vine native to central and southern China. It is one of the most famous longevity herbs in Chinese medicine, with a legendary story of a man named Mr. He who restored his youth, black hair, and fertility by consuming the herb. The raw (unprocessed) root has different properties and uses than the prepared (steam-processed with black bean juice) form. Prepared He Shou Wu is the standard form used as a tonic.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
slightly warm (prepared form)
Flavors (五味)
sweet, bitter, sour
Meridians (归经)
liver, kidney, heart
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Tonifies liver and kidney yin and blood
- Blackens hair and prevents premature graying
- Strengthens bones and tendons
- Benefits jing (essence) and promotes longevity
- Moistens the intestines (raw form)
- Treats dizziness, tinnitus, and blurred vision from yin deficiency
- Sore and weak lower back and knees
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Available as dried prepared slices, powder, capsules, liquid extract, or in tincture. Used both internally as a tonic and externally as a hair rinse. Prepared (red) He Shou Wu is used for tonification; raw is used for detoxification.
Suggested Dosage
Decoction: 9-15g of prepared root, simmered 30-60 min. Powder/Capsules: 3-6g daily. Standardized extract: 500-1500mg daily. Always use prepared (red) He Shou Wu for long-term use.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Autumn and winter, from plants 3-4 years old. Roots are dug, washed, steamed with black bean juice, then dried - repeated 9 times for premium grade.
Quality Indicators
Prepared He Shou Wu should be dark brown to black, with a slightly sweet, earthy taste and aroma. The cross-section shows a reddish-brown center with a dark outer layer. Premium grade is processed 9 times with black bean juice. Raw (unprocessed) He Shou Wu is light brown and should NOT be used for long-term tonification.
Storage
Store prepared He Shou Wu in airtight container in cool, dry place. Shelf life: 2-3 years. Powder should be used within 1 year.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Liver disease or liver enzyme abnormalitiesAlcoholism or heavy alcohol consumptionPregnancy and breastfeedingChildren (insufficient data)Spleen deficiency with loose stools or diarrheaBleeding disordersImportant: Use only prepared (zhi) He Shou Wu - raw form is not for long-term use
Possible Side Effects
- Generally safe for most people at recommended doses
- Rare but serious: liver toxicity (hepatotoxicity) has been reported - particularly with unprocessed root or very high doses
- Digestive upset (nausea, diarrhea) in sensitive individuals
- Skin rash (rare)
- Important: Monitor liver function with long-term use
Drug Interactions
- Liver-metabolized medications (may affect drug metabolism)
- Anticoagulants / blood thinners
- Hepatotoxic medications (combined liver stress)
- Alcohol (increased liver risk)
- Immunosuppressants
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
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