Hé Shǒu Wū · Fo-Ti Root
Hé Shǒu Wū (何首乌, Fo-Ti Root) is a herb of Warm nature and Bitter, Sweet, Astringent flavor, in the “Blood Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to tonify Liver and Kidney, Nourish Blood and Essence, Blacken Hair.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Hé Shǒu Wū
- Characters
- 何首乌
- Botanical name
- Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.
- Family
- Polygonaceae
- Part used
- Root (processed)
- Nature
- Warm
- Flavor
- Bitter, Sweet, Astringent
- Meridians
- Kidney, Liver
- Category
- Blood Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Slightly toxic
- Pregnancy
- Avoid
- Origin
- China
Actions according to tradition
- Tonify Liver and Kidney
- Nourish Blood and Essence
- Blacken Hair
- Strengthen Sinews and Bones
Traditional uses
- Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency
- Premature graying and hair loss
- Weak lower back and knees
- Seminal emission and nocturnal emission
- Dizziness and tinnitus
Studied effects and current applications
- Prevents premature aging
- Restores hair color
- Strengthens bones
- Improves fertility
- Lowers cholesterol
- Neuroprotective
Applications under investigation
- Hair loss and premature graying
- Osteoporosis
- High cholesterol
- Infertility
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Anti-aging
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Liver disease
- Diarrhea
Relative contraindications
- Phlegm-dampness patterns
- Pregnancy
- May affect fetal development. Avoid in pregnancy.
- Breastfeeding
- May affect infant. Avoid while breastfeeding.
- Children
- Not recommended for children.
- Older adults
- Monitor liver function
Possible adverse effects
- Liver toxicity (rare but serious)
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
When to stop
- Any signs of liver problems
- Diarrhea
- Jaundice
- Abdominal pain
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hepatotoxic drugs | Acetaminophen, Statins, Methotrexate | Severe | Additive hepatotoxicity risk - He Shou Wu has known hepatotoxic potential Avoid combination. Monitor liver enzymes with any use. |
| Anticoagulants | Warfarin | Mild | May have mild antiplatelet effect Monitor INR |
With other herbs
- nu_zhen_zi Er Zhi Wan combination for liver-kidney yin deficiency
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 9-30 grams daily
- Powder
- 3-9 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 2 times daily
- Acute use
- 4-8 weeks
- Chronic use
- 2-3 months
- Maximum
- Use with breaks, monitor liver
- Children
- Use prepared (zhi) form only. Raw form is toxic.
Forms of preparation
Use prepared He Shou Wu (zhi) only. Simmer 9-30g for 30-45 min.
Blood and essence nourishment
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Stilbenes (THSG) and anthraquinones
Stilbene glucoside · Anti-aging, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, hypocholesterolemic
SIRT1 activation, LDL oxidation inhibition, NF-κB suppression · 0.5-1.5% in processed root (Zhi He Shou Wu)
Anthraquinone · Laxative, antifungal, antitumor
Colonic motility stimulation, topoisomerase II inhibition · Greater in raw root; reduced after processing
Anthraquinones · Laxative, anti-inflammatory
Colonic mucosal irritation (stimulant), PGE2 inhibition · Present in a greater proportion in raw He Shou Wu
Stilbene · Antioxidant, antigenotoxic
Free radical capture, DNA protection · Traces
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (October-November), 3-5 year old plants
Tubers harvested in autumn when the stilbene content is maximum. Older plants have a higher concentration but a greater risk of toxicity. All raw forms contain hepatotoxic anthraquinones that REQUIRE processing.
WARNING: The raw form is HEPATOTOXIC for internal consumption. It contains free anthraquinones (especially emodin) that damage the liver. Only indicated for extopical use in eczema, boils and itching. NEVER manage raw internally.
MANDATORY METHOD for internal use. The tuber pieces are steamed with black bean broth (黑豆 hēi dòu, 10% of the weight of the herb) for 4-6 hours in repeated steam-drying cycles, minimum 9 traditional cycles (九蒸九晒). The process converts free anthraquinones into their less toxic glycosylated forms and increases beneficial stilbenes such as THSG.
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
