How to Use Fo-Ti to Improve Hair Growth

Fo-ti has been used for ages to treat hair graying. From its extracts to tea & soup, fo-ti can be used in many ways to combat hair loss and induce hair growth.

Anju Mobin
By Anju Mobin
Joel Taylor
Edited by Joel Taylor

Published July 30, 2022.

Fo-ti (polygonum multiflorum) is the root of a plant native to China that has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of problems. It is well known for its potential to treat hair graying.

From its extracts to powder and tea, fo-ti can be used in many ways to combat hair loss and induce hair growth.

Best Fo-Ti Products

Globally, fo-ti is used in raw, steam-processed wine, and as cured fo-ti. Fo-ti products may be taken as:

  • Raw root The raw root of fo-ti is edible but known to have a laxative effect.
  • Powder The roots are dried and made into a powder form for use as a supplement.
  • Extracts Root extracts are often concentrated and packed in capsules for serving as supplementation.
  • Tea The roots of fo-ti can be made into a tea with a bitter-sweet taste.
  • Soup Traditionally, fo-ti was used by curing it in water with black soybeans and drinking it.

How to Use Fo-Ti for Hair Loss

Typically, there are two ways to use fo-ti for treating hair loss:

  1. Orally
  2. Topically

In countries where fo-ti is freshly available, it is popularly taken as a tea or consumed in its traditional soup-like form. Worldwide, fo-ti is available in the form of powder supplements, liquid extracts, and capsules for easy availability and consumption. Supplements can provide natural hair support, but are more concentrated. Individuals with medical conditions should check with a practitioner to assess the suitability of fo-ti and the appropriate dosage needed to treat hair loss.

The topical application of fo-ti involves using extracts mixed with a carrier oil for efficient penetration into the scalp and the hair follicles. Individuals prone to allergies may use a patch test before complete application to rule out scalp irritation or allergy.