Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu)
Fo-ti (He Shou Wu) is a traditional Chinese root used in longevity and hair-support formulas. However, it has a well-known safety concern: fo-ti has been linked to liver injury in case reports, especially with certain preparations or high-dose/long-term use. If used at all, it should be used cautiously, sourced carefully, and not treated as a casual daily supplement.
Key Benefits
- Traditional use for vitality and healthy aging support
- Commonly marketed for hair support (evidence is limited and mixed)
- Used in some TCM systems as a tonic (preparation method matters)
Common Issues It May Help With
- Low vitality (traditional use)
- Hair thinning (traditional use)
- General wellness support
How To Use (Simple)
- If used, prefer reputable products with clear preparation type (processed vs raw) and follow label directions strictly. Avoid long-term daily use without clinician supervision. Discontinue immediately if you notice fatigue, dark urine, abdominal pain, nausea, or yellowing of eyes/skin.
Taste / Notes
Earthy, slightly sweet, bitter (varies by preparation).
Evidence Level
Traditional use is strong; modern clinical evidence for marketed benefits is limited. Safety concerns around liver toxicity are well documented in case literature.
Cautions
HIGH CAUTION: Potential liver toxicity. Avoid if you have liver disease, elevated liver enzymes, heavy alcohol use, or are taking hepatotoxic medications. Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding. Do not use in children. Stop immediately if signs of liver stress appear.
Interactions
Avoid with hepatotoxic medications (e.g., high-dose acetaminophen, some antifungals, certain anticonvulsants) and heavy alcohol use If on immunosuppressants or complex medication regimens, consult a clinician before any use May interact unpredictably with other herbal ‘tonics’—avoid stacking multiple products
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