He Shou Wu (Fo Ti, Polygonum Multiflorum) – Uses & Safety

He shou wu, also known as fo ti, is made from a vine native to central and southern China. It has been used in traditional medicine throughout China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and Vietnam for centuries.

He shou wu is made from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum, a climbing vine that can grow up to 35 feet tall and can be identified by its red stem and pink or white flowers.

The roots are harvested in the autumn from plants that are between three and four years old. Older roots are highly prized within traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and are not commonly sold on the market.

Fo ti roots are harvested and prepared by traditional decocting methods to maximize their potent free-form anthraquinones: active plant chemicals that demonstrate a variety of medicinal properties.

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

Top Fo Ti Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

He Shou Wu (Fo Ti) Uses

The phytonutrient constituents of he shou wu are being investigated for their ability to provide an array of therapeutic functions, such as:

• Enhancing immune function while decreasing damage caused by free radicals;
• Inducing vasodilation and improving cardiovascular efficiency;
• Supporting mental health and clarity;
• Lowering LDL cholesterol, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels;
• Preventing build-up of harmful fatty acids in the liver, bloodstream and heart;
• Reversing lymphatic tuberculosis;
• Inhibiting blood lipid peroxidation;
• Reversing premature hair loss (androgenic alopecia) and premature hair greying;
• Treating the symptoms of erectile dysfunction and male infertility;
• Acting against malaria and mycobacteria;
• Increasing insulin sensitivity and improving insulin utilization;
• Treating muscle and bone aches, especially joint pains induced by athletic exertion;
• Relieving constipation.

He Shou Wu Health Benefits

He Shou Wu may provide benefits for the cardiovascular system and overall circulatory health. This herb is known to act as a vasodilator. Vasodilation is characterized by the relaxation of the smooth inner linings of the heart, lungs and blood vessels.

It may support improved circulation, which allows for more oxygen, nutrient, hormone and protein delivery throughout the body. This enhanced circulatory action may work to flush away harmful fats while supporting detoxification.

These actions may help decreases risk factors associated with developing heart disease. In short, vasodilation can help support good health.

Phytonutrients in fo ti have been observed to induce vasodilation. Fo ti’s unique phytonutrient composition is also believed to improve the body’s use of hormones, including testosterone, estrogen and human growth hormone.

Additionally, he shou wu encourages increased nitric oxide synthesis, which also supports vasodilation. These properties of P. multiflorum are particularly appealing to bodybuilders and strength athletes as they are claimed to increase muscular size and strength via amplified nutrient delivery to the muscle tissues.

He Shou Wu and Superoxide Dismutase (SOD)

Every living organism is subject to free radical damage. The effects of free radical damage are often collectively characterized as oxidative stress, and prolonged oxidative stress is being increasingly correlated to a number of aging processes, diseases and ailments.

The most common free radical is called superoxide. The specific antioxidant that has the capacity to neutralize the destructive tendencies of superoxide is called superoxide dismutase (SOD). SOD acts to neutralize superoxide, which helps reduce oxidative damage and may help stave off the effects of aging.

He shou wu not only contains SOD in appreciable quantities, it is also claimed to stimulate the body’s use of SOD. This may help reduce free radical damage, which in turn accommodates improved quality of life as well as general health and longevity.

He Shou Wu Side Effects

He shou wu has been used for centuries throughout Asia. Within traditional medicine systems it is generally not associated with severe side effects.

Anecdotally, fo ti has been used by millions over the course of centuries with few reported side effects.

In its raw (unprepared) form, he shou wu is a stimulant laxative used primarily to treat constipation. If used in raw form, and excessively, vomiting, soft stool, diarrhea and/or upset stomach may result.

When used in its prepared form, he shou wu is anecdotally considered to be well tolerated. However, in contemporary scholarship it has been linked with cases of liver damage and is considered by some to be possibly unsafe.

He Shou Wu Drug Interactions

This herb is said to induce a cleansing action on the eyes, liver and kidneys. By promoting the detoxification of the body’s filtration organs, total-body detoxification is thought to be improved. However, fo ti may interact with a number of prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Its impact on the liver may alter how the liver is able to metabolize certain medications: there is a chance that the liver will be unable to appropriately break down certain substances while under the effects of he shou wu.

Altered metabolism of medications may result in increased or decreased drug efficacy and heightened side effects. It is important to consult with a doctor before taking fo ti, especially if you are already taking prescription or over-the-counter medications.

He Shou Wu (Fo ti) has long been used throughout Asia, but all of its side effects are still not well understood.

Rate This Article

(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5, rated)