Can You Take Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu) and Kava Together?

Use extra care with this pair

The short answer

Fo-Ti (He Shou Wu) and Kava are both well-documented hepatotoxins. Fo-Ti's anthraquinones cause idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity, while Kava's kavalactones cause hepatocellular damage. This combination presents significant cumulative liver risk.

How to arrange timing

Avoid combining these supplements. Both have individually caused cases of liver failure. Monitor liver enzymes if either is used alone.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Lei X et al., J Ethnopharmacol 2015; Teschke R., Ann Intern Med 2010; LiverTox (NIH/NLM)

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.