He-shou-wu – The Herb Used in Traditional Systems to Support Normal Lifespan, Health and Youthful VitalityHe-shou-wu, also known as "Fo-Ti," "Polygonum Multiflorum" or "Fleece Flower Root," is the traditional Chinese name for the dried root of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., a sweetbitter, mildly warm herb from China that has been part of traditional Chinese tonic systems for over 2000 years. This famous "longevity herb" is particularly known for its ability to tonify normal liver and kidney energy, nourish normal blood, strengthen normal essence, promote normal hair darkening, support normal sexuality and maintain normal youthful vitality – making it an ideal choice for people with a tendency toward normal fatigue, normal age-related symptoms and normal desire for youthful health.⚠️ CRITICAL CAUTION: LIVER HEPATOTOXICITY RISKCRITICAL INFORMATION:Prepared (Zhi He Shou Wu) (cooked with black beans): SAFER – for normal tonic applicationsRaw (Sheng He Shou Wu): STRONGER laxative action, more liver riskHepatotoxicity risk: Long-term use (>3 months) or overdosing can cause liver damagePROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION ESSENTIAL: Regular liver function tests are recommendedNOT FOR PEOPLE WITH LIVER DISEASE: Absolutely contraindicatedNOT FOR LONG-TERM INDEPENDENT USE: Professional guidance neededTraditional Understanding in TCM SystemsWithin traditional Chinese medicine, He-shou-wu is described as a sweetbitter, mildly warm herb with tonifying character. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Liver, Kidney and Heart meridians. According to this traditional description, He-shou-wu specializes in normal "Jing tonification" (essence), helps "nourish normal blood," "strengthen normal liver and kidney energy" and "restore normal youthful vitality" – crucial TCM concepts for normal longevity health.He-shou-wu is seen in TCM as a classical "longevity tonic" and "rejuvenation herb" – one of the most important herbs for normal anti-aging and normal youthful health. It is traditionally used to promote normal lifespan, support normal youthful energy, ease normal age-related symptoms, strengthen normal vitality and promote normal sexuality and reproductive health.Special Property: Jing Tonification (Essence Nourishing)He-shou-wu distinguishes itself by its ability to strengthen normal "Jing" (essence) – the deepest constitutional vitality. This makes it exceptional for normal anti-aging and normal longevity support in TCM terms.Botanical Composition and Research (WITH CAUTION)He-shou-wu contains over 80 bioactive compounds, of which the main ones are:Resveratrol (stilbene – anti-aging component)TSG (2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside) (characteristic component)Emodin (anthraquinone – laxative component)Chrysophanol, aloe-emodin, physcion (related anthraquinones)Lecithin (liver health component)Polyphenols and flavonoidsPolysaccharidesModern scientific research shows:Anti-aging and antioxidant action: Resveratrol and TSG have strong antioxidant effects and can help slow normal cell aging.Normal blood support: Studies show that certain components can support normal red blood cell formation.Normal lipid balance: Research suggests that certain components can help maintain normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels.Normal liver support: Lecithin and polyphenols can support normal liver function – however with hepatotoxicity risk in chronic use.Normal cognitive support: Studies suggest neuroprotective properties.Anti-inflammatory action: Polyphenols can help maintain normal inflammation balance.WARNING: HEPATOTOXICITY RISK – CRITICALStudies show that long-term He-shou-wu use (>3 months) or overdosing can cause hepatotoxicity:Liver damage symptoms: jaundice, fatigue, anorexia, dark urine450 reported liver damage cases in research2 liver transplants, 7 deaths (mostly after long-term overdose)Hepatotoxicity is reversible after discontinuationRaw He-shou-wu much more hepatotoxic than prepared He-shou-wuTraditional Applications – TCM Context (WITH CAUTION)In traditional TCM applications, prepared He-shou-wu is classically used for:Normal fatigue or normal vital exhaustionNormal graying or normal premature hair discolorationNormal sexuality reduction or normal fertility problemsNormal tendon/bone stiffness or normal age-related stiffnessNormal sleep problems with Yin-deficiency characterNormal menstrual irregularityNormal youthful energy lossNormal cholesterol balance support (with caution)These are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Very Important Distinction: Raw vs. PreparedSheng He Shou Wu (Raw): stronger laxative action, more risk constituentsZhi He Shou Wu (Prepared/Cooked with Black Beans): much safer, more tonifying, RECOMMENDED formPREPARED FORM STRONGLY RECOMMENDED – RAW FORM MUST BE USED WITH CAUTIONPreparation and Dosage (CRITICALLY IMPORTANT)He-shou-wu is traditionally:Prepared form: cooked/fermented with black beans for safety and tonificationTraditional dosage: 6–12g per formulaMAXIMUM DURATION: 3–4 months continuous use – then break of 2–4 weeksNEVER overdose: Hepatotoxicity risk grows exponentially with overdoseLIVER FUNCTION MONITORING RECOMMENDED: Annual checks for long-term useCAUTION: NOT FOR LIVER DISEASE, PREGNANCY OR OVERDOSEHe-shou-wu must NOT be used by:Individuals with liver disease or hepatitis (absolutely contraindicated)Pregnant women or breastfeeding individualsIndividuals who overdose or use long-term (>6 months) independentlyIndividuals on certain liver metabolism medications without professional guidanceIndividuals with Spleen-Yang deficiency (raw form can cause diarrhea)Seasonality and Daily Use (WITH CAUTION)He-shou-wu is traditionally used as a seasonal tonic in spring/autumn, NOT year-round independently. Maximum 3–4 months continuous, then 2–4 weeks break.Well-being and Daily UseHe-shou-wu is valued by modern users as part of professional TCM tonics for normal anti-aging, normal youthful health and normal vitality. This herb REQUIRES professional guidance for safe long-term use.Many users see He-shou-wu (prepared form) as part of seasonal wellness routines – as a tonifying, youth-extending element for normal health, ALWAYS under the guidance of a qualified TCM doctor.Relatively Safe Profile (With Caution and Monitoring)He-shou-wu is known as a safe tonic when PREPARED form, CORRECT DOSAGE and LIMITED DURATION (3–4 months) are used. Long-term use or overdosing presents hepatotoxicity risk.CRITICAL CAUTIOUS NOTE FOR THE CONSUMERThis product is a dietary supplement/tonic for normal health support.IT IS CRITICAL TO UNDERSTAND:RAW HE SHOU WU CAN BE HEPATOTOXIC – USE PREPARED FORMMAXIMUM 3–4 MONTHS CONTINUOUS USE, THEN BREAK NEEDEDREGULAR LIVER TESTS RECOMMENDED FOR LONG-TERM USENOT FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH LIVER DISEASEPROFESSIONAL SUPERVISION RECOMMENDEDTCM terms such as Jing Tonification, Youth Extension, Essence Strengthening are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine.If you have persistent fatigue, age-related symptoms or normal health concerns, you should always consult a qualified TCM doctor or medical expert BEFORE using this herb long-term. Liver function tests are recommended for long-term use.CAUTION: Prepared form recommended – Raw form must be used with caution – Professional supervision essential – Maximum 3–4 months continuous use.
