Longevity
He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti)
Also known as: Polygonum multiflorum, Fo-Ti, Fleece flower root
Traditional Chinese longevity herb for hair, vitality, and jing essence. Contains stilbenes and anthraquinones. Requires proper preparation.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Primary uses
- Hair health
- Longevity
- Vitality
- Jing support
How it works
- Contains stilbenes (similar to resveratrol)
- Anthraquinone content
- Traditional jing tonic
- Hair and vitality support
Dosage
- Typical range
- 500-1000mg prepared form daily
- Timing
- With meals
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Cycle use, monitor liver
- Special populations
- Hair, longevity, TCM protocols
Forms
- Prepared/processed
- Raw
Safety
Common side effects
- GI upset
- Diarrhea
Contraindications
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
Evidence notes
Traditional use strong, some safety concerns with preparation
Grade C: Mostly observational or small trials; mechanism is plausible but unproven at scale.
Related in Longevity
Check a full stack
Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.
Open the checkerWhere does He Shou Wu (Fo-Ti) fit in your stack?
Answer two questions and get a stack graded on research — every ingredient scored on the evidence behind it, not the marketing.
Build my stack2 questions · free · no account needed to start
Also on iPhone — get the free app
Evidence-based supplement guides, no spam
We send a short digest when new guides drop — nothing else. No affiliate pushes, no sponsored content, unsubscribe anytime.
Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.