Most user reviews of he shou wu are positive, though there is limited scientific research demonstrating the effects of this herb.
He shou wu is the Chinese name for a supplement derived from the roots of the vine Polygonum multiflorum or Fo Ti.
This herb has been used for centuries as a rejuvenating tonic to promote vitality. In traditional Chinese medicine it is used to tone the blood, support liver and kidney health and improve fertility in both men and women.
Contemporary users often supplement he shou wu to help prevebt free radical damage, enhance circulation, invigorate sexual libido and enhance sexual performance.
According to reviews, it is also believed to improve hair growth and slow down premature greying. These uses are only a sample of the numerous therapeutic benefits he shou wu is said to provide in relation to the whole body and the central nervous system.
He shou wu is a name associated with the “prepared” form of P. multiflorum root. In its unprepared (raw) form the root is a stimulant laxative, used widely to treat constipation. Its prepared form has been slowly condensed in a black bean stew and then dried to reduce its laxative effects and promote its other medicinal properties.



- Anti-aging herb used in Chinese medicine
- Stimulates the libido & adrenal function
- Exhibits antioxidant & neuroprotective effects
He Shou Wu Reviews
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He shou wu has been used for centuries to treat symptoms of male infertility and erectile dysfunction.
It is also believed to increase libido and enhance sexual performance. It is thought that spermatogenesis may be strengthened and ovarian health improved with he shou wu supplementation.
Additionally, the body’s use of hormones, such as estrogen, human growth hormone, cortisol and testosterone, may be improved. User reviews of He Shou Wu also cite improved energy, mental vitality and an aphrodisiac effect in men and women.
He shou wu has been observed to exhibit analgesic effects, especially in relation to lower back and knee pain. Additionally, it has shown strong results as a treatment for joint pains brought on by strenuous athletic activity.
The herb’s analgesic effects are not the only reason athletes use he shou wu. Bodybuilders have been known to supplement with fo ti because it is claimed to induce vasodilation. Vasodilation is characterized by the widening of blood vessels, which may help improve circulation.
Improved circulation may increase protein, nutrient and hormone delivery to the muscles, which can support muscle development and recovery. Additionally, he shou wu has been observed to stimulate nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, further increasing the effects of vasodilation.
In reviews posted by bodybuilders, this supplement has been said to improve exercise training capacity but more research is needed to validate this finding.
He Shou Wu Effects & Mechanisms
Many He Shou Wu reviews and experience logs cite taking this supplement for its purported anti-aging effects. These effects may be due to the anti-oxidant mechanisms of action it exhibits.
He shou wu is known to contain appreciable amounts of an antioxidant called superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Antioxidants are crucial to human health and survival because they act to neutralize compounds that cause cellular damage: free radicals. Superoxide is one of the most common free radicals in the human body.
Without SOD, superoxide damage would accumulate and bring about the general degradation (aging) of the body.
On account of its SOD content and claimed ability to support the body’s own SOD synthesis, he shou wu is being investigated for its capacity to exhibit antioxidant effects against cancer cell lines in laboratory experiments.
Liver and Kidney Detoxification
He shou wu reviews indicate the herb may be effective at promoting the gentle detox of the liver and kidneys.
It may also help reduce harmful fatty acids in the bloodstream, significantly decreasing the probability of fatty acid buildups in the blood vessels (arterial plaque) and the liver (fatty liver disease).
He shou wu is thought to help support detoxification by improving circulation and helping to cleanse the liver and kidneys. Adherents claim that such detoxification leads to improved general health.
Safety Review of He Shou Wu
Polygonum multiflorum has been used in traditional medicine practices throughout Asia. Most of what we know about this herb comes from its long history of traditional use and from anecdotal reports on its effectiveness.
It is known for its potent therapeutic actions and is associated with few side effects. However, excessive use may lead to diarrhea and/or upset stomach.
Based on historical use and reviews, he shou wu is believed to be generally safe for human supplementation. However, in contemporary study, some cases of liver damage have recently been reported and linked to supplements derived from P. multiflorum. These observations have led some to question the safety of P. multiflorum supplements.
He shou wu is thought to affect the liver, and this may alter the organ’s ability to metabolize some prescription and over-the-counter medications.
Consequently, the strength of medications may change and their effects may be intensified or weakened if combined with he shou wu. Likewise, the side effects of the medications may be altered.
He shou wu supplementation has been linked with cases of liver damage. In many of these cases, the damage may have been caused by adverse drug interactions. To help ensure safe use, it is extremely important to speak with your physician before taking supplements derived from P. multiflorum, especially if you are taking other medications.
Be sure to get the approval of your doctor before supplementing with Polygonum multiflorum. Pregnant women and nursing moms should not use he shou wu supplements because there is not enough clinical data to verify its safety. Also, those with scheduled surgeries should discontinue supplementation.
Scientific reviews of he shou wu continue to provide information to better understand the herb’s therapeutic capacities.
- Chevallier, Andrew. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 2nd ed. London: Dorling Kindersley Limited, 2000.
- Park GJ, Mann SP, Ngu MC. Acute hepatitis induced by Shou-Wu-Pian, a herbal product derived from Polygonum multiflorum. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2001 Jan;16(1):115-7.
- Jung KA, Min HJ, Yoo SS, Kim HJ, Choi SN, Ha CY, Kim HJ, Kim TH, Jung WT, Lee OJ, Lee JS, Shim SG. Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Twenty Five Cases of Acute Hepatitis Following Ingestion of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. Gut Liver. 2011 Dec;5(4):493-9.
- Kang SC, Lee CM, Choi H, Lee JH, Oh JS, Kwak JH, Zee OP. Evaluation of oriental medicinal herbs for estrogenic and antiproliferative activities. Phytother Res. 2006 Nov;20(11):1017-9.
Article last updated on: April 13th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
my wife got bad splochy spots on her skin from taking this.
Did anybody use dried Foti leaves as tea? do they have benefits?