Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum)
Polygonum multiflorum
Chinese Herbalism
Chinese Herbalism

Fo-Ti

Polygonum multiflorum

Also known as He Shou Wu, Heshouwu, zhì hé shǒu wū, shēng hé shǒu wū.

WarmingTaste: BitterTaste: SweetTaste: Astringent

Use prepared/processed root (e.g., steamed with black bean juice) to reduce toxicity Raw form associated with higher hepatotoxicity risk Officially listed in Chinese Pharmacopoeia Dual-use: raw for detoxification/laxative, prepared for tonifying Hepatotoxicity primarily idiosyncratic but also dose-dependent with long-term use Monitor liver enzymes during use 11215120 4471648

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Actions

TonicBlood tonicAdaptogenAntioxidantHepatoprotectiveAnti-inflammatoryImmunomodulatorLaxativeNeuroprotective

Indications what the tradition reached for it in

Safety

Pregnancy: Pregnancy Caution

The record lists 6 contraindications; open the plate in the library to read them in full.

Dosing as the sources wrote it

PreparationAs writtenMetric
DecoctionDecoction (simmer): 9-30 g root9000-30000 mg
Tincture: 1-3 ml 2-3x/day1-3 mL
Powdered extractPowdered extract (standardized): 500-1500 mg divided doses500-1500 mg

Doses are reproduced from the sources for practitioners and are not a recommendation for any person.

From the sources

Clinical Notes. Use prepared/processed root (e.g., steamed with black bean juice) to reduce toxicity Raw form associated with higher hepatotoxicity risk Officially listed in Chinese Pharmacopoeia Dual-use: raw for detoxification/laxative, prepared for tonifying Hepatotoxicity primarily idiosyncratic but also dose-dependent with long-term use Monitor liver enzymes during use 11215120 4471648

primary-actions. Fo-Ti acts primarily as: Tonic, Blood tonic, Adaptogen, Antioxidant, Hepatoprotective. Secondary actions include Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Immunomodulator, Laxative, Neuroprotective.

indications. Fo-Ti is traditionally indicated for: Alopecia, Inflammatory bowel disease, Dyslipidemia, Sores, Constipation, Pruritus, Scrofula, Hyperlipidemia, Liver injury, Hair loss, Spermatorrhea, Leukorrhea, Fatigue, Weakness of loins and knees, Carbuncles, and 26 further conditions.

constituents. Notable constituents of Fo-Ti include: 2,3,5,4′-Tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG), Emodin, Physcion, Aloe-emodin, Chrysophanol, Rhein, Resveratrol, Phospholipids, Flavonoids, Polysaccharides.

In formulas

Fo-Ti stands in 21 documented formulas in the library, among them shu gǎn lí pí tāng, hé rén yin, qì bǎo měi rán dàn, dãng gui yin zi, tiàn má gòu tếng yìn.

Often paired with

Nearby on the shelf

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