He Shou Wu Tea – An Ancient Chinese Herbal Remedy

Drinking he shou wu tea three times daily is believed to restore vitality in a number of ways.

He shou wu is also known as fo ti tieng or fo ti. It is made from the roots of the plant Polygonum multiflorum, a climbing, red-stemmed vine indigenous to southern and central China.

For centuries, he shou wu has been used by the peoples of China, Vietnam, Korea, Taiwan and other Asian nations as a general blood and liver tonic.

In traditional Chinese medicine, fo ti is considered a rejuvenating herb that confers vitality, helps stave off the effects of aging and encourages longevity. It is also believed to help gently clean the kidneys and eyes. Fo ti tea is still taken regularly in the East for its toning and rejuvenating properties.

The herb is also widely believed to support male and female fertility. The long history of He Shou Wu tea use combined with the supplement’s purported health benefits means that it is one of Asia’s most widely used supplements.

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 Tea

Contemporary research has revealed that fo ti may contain potent antioxidants, which may reduce free radical damage in the body and help stave off the physical effects of aging.

Scientific research on the therapeutic effects and side effects is limited. There are no standardized dosage recommendations provided by independent organizations, such as the US Food and Drug Administration.

However, he shou wu has a long history of use and is not commonly associated with severe side effects. This traditional profile is at odds with some contemporary studies that have connected fo ti use with rare cases of liver damage.

He Shou Wu Tea for Liver Health

The human liver exists in a constant state of renewal. Liver cells are constantly dying off and being replaced. The liver is capable of significant cellular regeneration. As a filtration organ, the liver must endure a continuous barrage of toxic substances and molecules. He shou wu is thought to help cleanse and detoxify the liver, while fortifying it against free radical damage.

Drinking he shou wu tea is thought to help tone the liver by supporting its function, strength and structural integrity. These effects may be due to an antioxidant called superoxide dismutase (SOD).

SOD is one of the body’s primary defenses against free radical damage, specifically from superoxide, a common free radical in the human body. He shou wu tea not only contains appreciable levels of SOD, it also enhances the body’s natural abilities to manufacture the antioxidant.

He Shou Wu Tea for Sexual Function

He shou wu tea is often used to improve male and female sexual health. It is believed to increase the libido and improve erectile function. It may also promote an increase in sexual stamina, fertility and enjoyment among elderly individuals. This may be a result of the improved circulatory function that this tea promotes.

This herb is thought to support cardiovascular health via a number of mechanisms. In preliminary tests, it has been observed to reduce LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. It may also help increase HDL (so-called “good” cholesterol) levels. It is also thought to inhibit the build-up of fatty acids in the liver, heart, blood vessels and capillaries.

Additionally, he shou wu has been observed to induce vasodilation. Vasodilation opens the blood vessels and relaxes the heart muscle. Consequently, more blood may be delivered with less work by the heart. Improved circulation means that more nutrients, hormones, proteins and other necessities are delivered through the body. This may help support overall health.

He Shou Wu Tea Side Effects

It is very important to note the difference between prepared and unprepared Polygonum multiflorum.

In its raw (unprepared) form, it is an effective laxative. The raw root of P. multiflorum has been used to treat constipation for more than a thousand years.

The root is traditionally “prepared” by boiling it with black beans, after which it is extracted, dried and cured to produce prepared he shou wu. After the preparation process, the root’s laxative properties are significantly diminished and its other medicinal properties are intensified. He shou wu tea generally uses the prepared form of P. multiflorum root.

Within traditional practice, long-term, regular use of he shou wu tea is not generally associated with side effects. In cases of excessive supplementation, side effects may include mild nausea and/or diarrhea. However, there are  reports of cases linking P. multiflorum supplements with liver damage, making the potential side effects of the plant ill defined.

Additionally, because he shou wu is thought to affect the liver, the supplement may alter how other prescription or over-the-counter medications are metabolized by the liver.

As a consequence, he shou wu supplementation may alter the efficacy and side effects of certain pharmaceuticals. It is important to speak with your prescribing physician before starting to drink he shou wu teas.

Increasing demand for Polygonum multiflorum supplements is largely a result of their purported ability to support good health. However, there are some groups of people, including pregnant women and diabetics, who should not use he shou wu tea, tablet, powder or tincture supplements. Consult your doctor before beginning fo ti tieng supplementation.

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