[[File:Fo-ti.jpg|thumb|250px|left|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. <br> See also :
*[[Ye Jiao Teng]]
==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 Fo-ti is known by many names . . . he-shou-wu … Chinese Cornbind … Chinese Knotweed … and 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. 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.
*Stomach upset
*Tuberculosis that has spread to the lymph nodes
*Cancer: Used in [[Fu Zheng Therapy]]
*Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)
*Limb numbness
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.
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==
* [[Shou Wu Chih]]
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[[Category:Treatments]]
[[Category:Chinese medicine]]
[[Category:Adaptogen]]
[[Category:herbal medicine]]
[[Category:Antineoplastic]]