He Shou Wu Benefits & Positive Effects for Health

Many of the purported health benefits of he shou wu supplementation have their roots in traditional Chinese medicine.

He shou wu, otherwise known as fo ti, has long been used in traditional herbal medicine to treat a variety of conditions.

It is the Chinese name for a “prepared” version of the root from the plant Polygonum multiflorum. P. multiflorum is a red-stemmed vine indigenous to south and central China.

In traditional Chinese herbal medicine, he shou wu is one of the two primary constituents of ying tonics, believed to induce a variety of positive health effects. Specifically, fo ti is used to improve blood-lipid profiles and enhance circulation. It is thought to reduce harmful fatty acid buildup in the liver, heart and blood vessels.

He shou wu benefits are additionally said to help alleviate inflammation, lymphatic tuberculosis, constipation and improve blood glucose levels.

Fo Ti (He Shou Wu)

Herbal Supplement

Anti- Aging

Sex Drive

Blood Tonic

How It Works:

• Anti-aging herb used in Chinese medicine
• Stimulates the libido & adrenal function
• Exhibits antioxidant & neuroprotective effects

Dosage:

Between 500 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Unsafe

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He Shou Wu Benefits

The history of fo ti use in Chinese herbal medicine has attracted the attention of contemporary researchers who are investigating the herb’s capacity to:

• Act as a blood tonic;
• Increase energy levels and mental clarity;
• Act as a mild sedative;
• Promote and preserve strength of the knees and lower back;
• Maintain youthful libido levels;
• Increase spermatogenesis;
• Improve ovarian health in women;
• Restore natural color to prematurely greying hair;
• Act as an antioxidant, decreasing cellular damage caused by free radicals;
• Provide gentle detoxifying effects for the eyes, kidneys and liver;
• Exhibit antioxidant effects.

He Shou Wu for Athletic Performance

Many athletes, especially bodybuilders and weight-lifters, use he shou wu supplements to help increase muscle size and strength. While there is not any clinical evidence to support this use, some of fo ti’s characteristics are highlighted by those who claim it can support athletic performance.

Fo ti contains constituents that have been observed to induce vasodilation, which can help improve nutrient delivery throughout the body. Vasodilation is characterized by the expansion or widening of blood vessels, which may lead to improved circulation.

With improved circulation, more proteins, growth hormones, repair hormones and other vital constituents are delivered in higher concentrations throughout the body. This may support muscle growth and recovery.

He shou wu is believed to help the body better use hormones, including testosterone, human growth hormone, estrogen and cortisol. Additionally, fo ti has also been observed to exhibit some analgesic effects, especially relating to knee pains caused by strenuous athletic exertion.

Finally, it contains a number of beneficial minerals, such as zinc, which are needed for efficient cellular metabolism.

He Shou Wu for Energy & Circulation

He shou wu benefits have also been touted for more than a thousand years to cleanse the blood and promote enhanced energy. Within traditional herbal medicine it is thought to support and detoxify the kidneys and liver, which is claimed to help overall body detoxification.

In contemporary scientific studies, he shou wu has been observed to help lower LDL and total cholesterol levels. Additionally, it is thought to inhibit the accumulation of harmful fatty acids throughout the body, especially in the liver and blood vessels.

He shou wu is being investigated by contemporary researchers interested in whether this traditional herb can be used to lower the risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular disorders.

He Shou Wu Phytonutrient Constituents

He shou wu contains a number of phytonutrients (plant nutrients), some of which have been observed to induce a number of health benefits. However, many of the constituents of fo ti remain unknown because of insufficient research. Some of fo ti’s known constituents include:

• Anthraquinones, including several phospholipid lectins;
• 2,3,5,4-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-?-D-glucopyranoside, a stilbene glycoside;
• Other stilbene glycosides that demonstrate antioxidant effects more powerful than resveratrol;
• Superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant commonly found in the human body.

Prepared vs. Unprepared (Raw) Fo Ti

He shou wu supplements are available in both prepared and unprepared forms. Unprepared (raw) he shou wu is a potent laxative and is used for constipation.

Prepared he shou wu has been stewed with black beans at a 10:1 ratio, slowly and at low heat until the mixture is completely condensed. The “prepared” roots are then allowed to dry and cure naturally.

When fo ti root is prepared in this way, its laxative effects are diminished and its toning effects are thought to be intensified. This improves the purported health benefits of he shou wu extract. Prepared roots should always be used unless otherwise specified.

Safety and Side Effects

He shou wu has received limited scholarly attention. However, in contemporary studies the plant has been linked to cases of liver damage. Conversely, within traditional practice prepared fo ti is not commonly associated with severe side effects.

This difference in reporting makes it important to speak with your doctor before taking he shou wu to make sure it is safe for you.

A primary concern with he shou wu supplementation is its ability to interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications. It has been observed to affect how the liver is able to break down various medications.

If he shou wu is taken in conjunction with these medicines, liver function may be hindered. Also, the effects of the contraindicated drugs may be either intensified or diminished. In addition, the possible side effects of said drugs may be strengthened or weakened.

Be sure to consult with your doctor before taking any form of fo ti. The benefits of he shou wu are thought to be many, but drug contraindications must be avoided to gain them.

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