Chinese herbs

Polygonum multiflorum

Also called: he shou wu, fo-ti

A root (heshouwu) marketed for black hair and long life.

Why people take it
Hair greying, ageing.
What the evidence says
No good evidence.
How it is usually taken
Not recommended because of liver injury reports.
Be careful
Many reports of serious liver damage. Avoid.
Medicines it can interact with
Avoid with any liver-affecting medicine.

Other chinese herbs

Dong quaiHorny goat weedSchisandraJujubeChrysanthemum teaGynostemmaEucommiaRehmanniaPuerariaPanax notoginsengAmerican ginsengEjiaoPearl powderHawthorn berry (shanzha)Monk fruit

Common questions

What is Polygonum multiflorum?

A root (heshouwu) marketed for black hair and long life.

Why do people take Polygonum multiflorum?

Hair greying, ageing.

Does Polygonum multiflorum work?

No good evidence.

How much Polygonum multiflorum do people take?

Not recommended because of liver injury reports.

Is Polygonum multiflorum safe?

Many reports of serious liver damage. Avoid.

Does Polygonum multiflorum interact with medicines?

Avoid with any liver-affecting medicine.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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