Fo Ti (Polygonum multiflorum)
Photo: 阿橋 HQ · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Circulatory
- 4 conditions
- Licensed photo
Overview
Fo ti (Polygonum multiflorum), also known as he shou wu, is a perennial vine used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Amounts reported by sources
Preparation amounts are not shown for this herb. It is toxic, restricted, or otherwise unsafe to self-dose - the margin between a traditional dose and a harmful one is too small to publish as reference material. If you are considering it, that conversation belongs with a doctor or a qualified practitioner, not a website.
Safety & precautions
Liver injury: LiverTox calls fo ti (Polygonum multiflorum, he shou wu) a well-established cause of acute liver injury and notes that in China it is reported as the leading cause of herb-related liver injury. Symptoms have started anywhere from a few days to about six months after starting, and up to one in ten clinically apparent cases has been fatal or needed an urgent liver transplant. Injury often returns quickly if the herb is restarted. Do not use fo ti if you have liver disease, and stop it and seek care if you develop fatigue, nausea, dark urine or yellowing skin or eyes. Digestive Weakness & Diarrhea: Fo ti is not recommended for those with poor digestion, diarrhea, or heavy mucus congestion.
Educational reference only - not medical advice. Herbs can interact with medications. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use. Full disclaimer.
Drug interactions
Interaction data is not available for this herb - talk to a pharmacist before combining it with any medication. A blank entry here means we have not documented interactions, not that none exist.
Habitat
Native to central and southern China, fo ti is widely cultivated in that region. It is propagated from seeds, cuttings, or root divisions in spring. The root is harvested in autumn from plants that are typically 3-4 years old, although larger, older roots are considered the most potent.
Sources
The interaction notes and the statements on this page that name a source were written by HerbMate from these references, which were last checked in October 2026. They are summaries, not medical advice; ask a pharmacist about your own medicines.
Traditionally used for
- Cholesterol regulation6 herbs · 2 free
- Aging3 herbs · 2 free
- Malaria3 herbs · 2 free
- Blurred Vision3 herbs · 2 free
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Frequently asked questions
How is Fo Ti (Polygonum multiflorum) prepared?
Preparation amounts are not shown for this herb. It is toxic, restricted, or otherwise unsafe to self-dose - the margin between a traditional dose and a harmful one is too small to publish as reference material. If you are considering it, that conversation belongs with a doctor or a qualified practitioner, not a website.
What safety cautions apply to Fo Ti (Polygonum multiflorum)?
Liver injury: LiverTox calls fo ti (Polygonum multiflorum, he shou wu) a well-established cause of acute liver injury and notes that in China it is reported as the leading cause of herb-related liver injury. Symptoms have started anywhere from a few days to about six months after starting, and up to one in ten clinically apparent cases has been fatal or needed an urgent liver transplant. Injury often returns quickly if the herb is restarted. Do not use fo ti if you have liver disease, and stop it and seek care if you develop fatigue, nausea, dark urine or yellowing skin or eyes. Digestive Weakness & Diarrhea: Fo ti is not recommended for those with poor digestion, diarrhea, or heavy mucus congestion.
Related herbs
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