Hé Shǒu Wū (何首乌) — Fo-Ti Root (He Shou Wu)

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Hé Shǒu Wū (何首乌) — Polygonum multiflorum / Fallopia multiflora — is known in English as Fo-ti root / Fleece flower root. It belongs to the category of Blood tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Hé Shǒu Wū as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Nourishes Liver and Kidney and replenishes Jing (Essence) — prepared form
2. Invigorates Blood, reduces masses and relieves toxicity — raw form
3. Expels Wind from the skin
4. Moistens the Intestines

Indications

1. Liver and Kidney deficiency with premature greying, hair loss and dizziness
2. Blood deficiency with pallor, palpitations and insomnia
3. Male infertility — nourishes Kidney Jing and improves sperm quality
4. Spermatorrhoea and low back ache from Kidney deficiency
5. Constipation from Blood deficiency (raw form)
6. Skin rashes, carbuncles and scrofula (raw form)

4. Key formulas containing Hé Shǒu Wū

Hé Shǒu Wū is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu) is one of the most famous Chinese longevity and anti-ageing herbs. Prepared He Shou Wu (Zhi He Shou Wu) is used for tonification; raw form (Sheng He Shou Wu) for clearing. Key bioactive constituents include stilbene glycosides (2,3,5,4’-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-glucoside / THSG), anthraquinones (emodin, physcion), catechin and gallic acid. THSG has documented antioxidant, anti-ageing, neuroprotective and oestrogenic effects. Research confirms benefits for hair loss (androgenic alopecia), cognitive function and neuroprotection in ageing. He Shou Wu has been shown to improve sperm quality in animal studies. Important caution: raw He Shou Wu and inadequately prepared preparations have been associated with rare but serious cases of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) — pharmaceutical-grade processed preparations (Zhi He Shou Wu) from reputable suppliers such as Sun Ten are essential.

6. Cautions and contraindications

CRITICAL: Raw (unprocessed) He Shou Wu has been associated with drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and should never be self-administered. Only properly processed (Zhi He Shou Wu) pharmaceutical-grade preparations should be used, from reputable suppliers with quality testing. Contraindicated in patients with loose stools and Phlegm-Damp. Avoid in patients with pre-existing liver disease. Regular liver function monitoring recommended for prolonged use.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Hé Shǒu Wū as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Sperm DNA fragmentation, Male infertility, Insomnia. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.