Fo-ti

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Polygonum multiflorum

Other Names:Chinese Cornbind, Chinese Knotweed, Climbing Knotweed, Flowery Knotweed, Fo Ti Tieng, Fo-Ti-Tient, He Shou Wu, Ho Shou Wu, Multiflora Preparata, Poligonum, Poligonum Multiflorum, Polygonum, Polygonum multiflorum, Polygonum Multiflorum Thunberg, Racine de Renouée Multiflore, Radix Polygoni Multiflori, Radix Polygoni Shen Min, Renouée, Renouée à Fleurs Nombreuses, Renouée de Chine, Renouée Multiflore, Rhizoma Polygonata, Shen Min, Shou Wu, Shou Wu Pian, Tuber Fleeceflower, Zhihe Shou Wu, Zi Shou Wu.Fo-ti is known by many names : he-shou-wu, Chinese Cornbind, Chinese Knotweed, Flowery Knotweed to name a few. Ironically, it is not known in China as fo-ti. That’s the name assigned to the plant in the 1970s by an American herb marketer.
See also :

Special Precautions of Fo-ti

  • Fo-ti might be UNSAFE to take by mouth due to concerns that it might cause liver damage in both adults and children. Fo-ti has been linked to liver damage in several reports, including one case in a 5-year-old child.
  • There isn't enough information available to know if fo-ti is safe when applied directly the skin.
  • Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Fo-ti might be UNSAFE to take by mouth during pregnancy. Fo-ti contains chemicals that can act like a strong laxative. The chemicals work by stimulating the intestine. Bulk-forming laxatives are a safer choice in pregnancy.It might also be UNSAFE to use fo-ti if you are breast-feeding. The chemicals that have a laxative effect can pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea in some breast-fed infants.Not enough is known about the safety of applying fo-ti to the skin during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It’s best to avoid using it.
  • Liver disease: Fo-ti has been linked to multiple cases of liver problems including hepatitis. There is a concern that fo-ti might make existing liver disease worse.
  • Surgery: Fo-ti might affect blood sugar levels , so there is concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using fo-ti at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with FO-TI.
  • Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome substrates) interacts with FO-TI
  • Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with FO-TI
  • Medications that can harm the liver (Hepatotoxic drugs) interacts with FO-TI
  • Stimulant laxatives interacts with FO-TI
  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with FO-TI
  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with FO-TI

The benefits of Fo-ti are

Fo-ti is a traditional remedy of Asia that’s now resurfacing as a major weapon against aging. “Fo-ti has a reputation for enhancing longevity and energy,” says Ray Sahelian, M.D.

The root of the fo-ti plant can restore fertility, help maintain hair color, boost energy, rejuvenate the nerves and brain cells, tone the kidneys and liver, fortify the bones, and purify the blood. Athletes even use it to improve their performance and reduce recovery time. The benefits of this flexible, adaptogenic herb are wide-ranging and apply to virtually everyone.

Elixir of Life: An Adaptogenic Herb of Legendary Acclaim. By whatever name we know it, this adaptogenic herb has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 3,000 years. According to legend, the man who first discovered fo-ti was delighted to find that with regular use, it revived his natural dark hair color and sexual virility. Since that time, fo-ti has been regarded as a “youthful tonic,” or “elixir of life.”

Another legend centers on the famous Chinese herbalist, Chung Yun. Reportedly, Chung Yun used fo-ti on a daily basis and lived to be 256 years old! He was also said to have had 24 wives. He credited both his sexual prowess and long life to fo-ti.

Yet another Chinese man who began using fo-ti later in life is said to have watched his gray hair turn black as his energy returned full force. From then on, the man became known as He Shou Wu, which means “Black Haired Mr. He.”

Acute Treatment AND Overall Health and Immunity Booster

Fo-Ti has been used to treat an impressive list of ailments and acute conditions, including:

  • High cholesterol
  • Fatigue
  • Constipation
  • High blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Diabetes
  • Stomach upset
  • Tuberculosis that has spread to the lymph nodes
  • Cancer : Used in Fu Zheng Therapy
  • Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)
  • Limb numbness
  • Lower back pain
  • Knee pain
  • Premature graying and hair loss
  • Dizziness with ringing in the ears

The Science Behind Fo-Ti and Enhanced Vigor

In its processed form, fo-ti contains protein-sugar complexes known as lectins. Lectins help reduce fat levels in the blood and prevent heart disease.

Here’s how it works: Lectins attach to specific arrangements of carbohydrates in the body and act like antibodies — but without causing allergy symptoms. Through this mechanism lectins can block formation of plaque (fat and other cells) in blood vessels, and help prevent or delay heart disease.

Studies of Fo-Ti’s Benefits

As is typical with herbs and natural remedies, funding for research on fo-ti has been limited. Nonetheless, some very compelling studies do support this herb’s legendary reputation. Here are a few:

In one study, a traditional formula with fo-ti as the main ingredient was shown to slow the aging of vital organs in aged animals, especially the reproductive organs. The same formula also demonstrated significant results in human clinical trials. In another study, Fo-ti capsules were given to 60 humans above age 50 who had been assessed in a Chinese clinic as experiencing “kidney deficiency.” Out of the 60 cases, 30% were considered “extremely effective” and 53.3% were ruled “effective.” That’s a whopping 83.3% combined efficacy! Another study gave Fo-ti liquor extract to 36 people with gray hair. After treatment, 24 completely recovered their dark hair and 8 more showed improvement. That’s a total efficacy rate of 88.9%!

  • Fo-Ti in the Bedroom : Fo-ti is believed to increase fertility, sexual vigor, and treat ED. Researchers believe these effects are due to Fo-ti’s proven ability to:
  • Raise red blood cell counts
  • Lower cholesterol levels that can cause hypertension and cardiovascular diseases

Fo-ti’s power to increase blood flow to “all the right places” is key to its special bedroom benefits.

Using Fo-Ti: Processed vs. Unprocessed

The root of fo-ti must be prepared, or processed, be consumed regularly-as a tonic herb. Don’t worry, Fo-ti processing is simple, chemical-free process involving boiling the root in black beans before drying.

Unprocessed fo-ti, on the other hand, does not possess the tonic effects described in the legends or the research, and it can even have unintended side effects such as diarrhea.

Interestingly, unprocessed fo-ti does have certain benefits, so the important thing is to know which type of fo-ti you should use for which condition. The difference is addressed this way by the Encyclopedia of Herbs:

In Chinese medicine the dried (unprocessed) root and the cured (processed) root are considered two different herbs. The unprocessed root is used to relax the bowels and detoxify the blood. The processed root is used to strengthen the blood, invigorate the liver and kidneys, and supplement vital energy (qi).

Processed fo-ti supplements can be taken as capsules or as herbal tea. Dr. Sahelian, a strong supporter of fo-ti, simply recommends one capsule (610 mg) before breakfast or lunch.

Used in Patent medicine

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.