What is Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu)?

Fo-Ti is the dried root of Polygonum multiflorum (also classified as Reynoutria multiflora), a climbing vine in the knotweed family (Polygonaceae). It is called He Shou Wu in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Fo-Ti in Western markets.

About the plant

The Chinese name He Shou Wu translates roughly as "Black-Haired Mr. He," from a legend about an old man named He. In TCM the root has two distinct forms with different traditional uses: Zhi Shou Wu, the prepared root processed with black bean broth, and Sheng Shou Wu, the unprepared or raw root. The prepared form is the one long associated with daily traditional use. This is a fact worth noting: check labeling to confirm which form a given product is.

Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu): form & sizes

We carry Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu) as cut and sifted dried root, sold by weight in sizes from 1 oz to 1 lb. We make no health or therapeutic claims.

Storage

Store Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu) in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity, to preserve its color and aroma.

Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu) at a glance

Botanical name

Polygonum multiflorum

Family

Polygonaceae

Native region

central and southern China

Plant part

root

Also known as

He Shou Wu, Chinese Knotweed

Two forms

Zhi Shou Wu (prepared), Sheng Shou Wu (unprepared)

Form

cut and sifted dried root

Sizes

1 oz to 1 lb