All about the Adaptogenic Herb Fo-Ti and It’s Many Health
Benefits
A Rare Chinese Adaptogenic Herb Can Preserve the Stamina,
Vigor, and Strength of Youth
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
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.
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
• 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 herbal tea.
He Shou Wu/
Fo-Ti Root
He Shou Wu
root is an important Chinese Herb and also know as Fo-ti, Ho Shou Wu, Chinese
Knotweed, Fleeceflower, Polygonum Multiflorum and Foti.
"It is
said to have similar properties to that of ginseng. Fo-Ti is one of China's
great four herbal tonics (Fo-Ti, Angelica, Lycium, and Panax Ginseng)..."
(The Root of the Matter 1)
"The
literal English translation of [fo-ti's] name is "vine to pass through the
night." With a distinctive sweet yet bitter taste, fo-ti was thought to
unblock the channels of energy through the body, allowing the escape of the
pathogenic influences that cause generalized weakness, soreness, pain, and
fatigue. Depending on the method of processing, there are four different types
of Fo-Ti on the market: raw, cured, wine, and steamed. [...]
"The
Chinese nickname for the herb, ho shou wu, literally means "Mr. He's Black
Hair," Mr. He being a man of Chinese legend who restored his youth and
sexual potency by taking Fo-Ti tea. Chinese tradition teaches that the herb
should be used by itself or cured in the water used to cook black beans for
this purpose. [...] The production of traditional Fo-Ti root according to
traditional Chinese medicine is revered and is kept as a close secret, however
the basic process involves curing raw Fo-Ti roots in a soup of black bean sauce
and wine."
The Reported
Benefits of He Shou Wu Root
The reported
benefits of the amazing He Shou Wu root are listed below. I will use the
different names for this herb throughout the text.
• He Shou Wu stimulates the production of
feel-good neurotransmitters
• Longevity tonic according to Chinese
Herbalism
• He Shou Wu fights premature aging
• Fo-ti root provides effective hair loss
treatment, cure for balding
• Reverses hair colour loss and helps gray
hair regain its pigment
• Has been reported to restore energy and
strength
• Fo-ti is helpful against weakness,
infectious diseases, angina pectoris and impotence
• Beneficial as a digestive aid
• Regulates many of the ills that appear
with excess aging
• Helps prevent thinning hair and restore
dry, brittle and damaged hair
• Helps with hair loss from diseases, such
as hypothyroidism
• Jing Longevity Herb
• Calms the Spirit and nourishes the heart
• He
shou wu helps against weakness, soreness, pain, fatigue
• Used as a wash against itching and skin
rashes
• Great for kidney and liver health
because it stimulates the adrenal glands and helps to detoxify the body.
• Cleanses the liver
• Used to help promote fertility, and is
used to treat male impotency, increasing sperm count.
• He Shou Wu is great to take for lowering
bad cholesterol levels in the body. It also is great for heart health in that
it helps to decrease blood pressure, and also helps to stop the buildup of
plaque in the arteries.
• Contains an alkaloid that is said to
have a rejuvenating effect on the nerves, brain cells, and endocrine system. It
is also said to help slow the aging process and promote longevity.
• Can help protect the brain from the
damaging effects of diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
• Fo-ti contains two anti-tumor agents,
emodin and rhein. It is said to maintain a persons youthfulness and general
good health.
• It is a tonic to the liver and kidneys.
It strengthens the muscles and bones.
• It makes women fertile.
• Fo-Ti is a tonic for the endocrine
glands, it improves health, stamina and resistance to disease.
• It is used to reduce cholesterol because
of its lecithin.
• It is used for angina pectoris,
hypoglycemia, diabetes, night sweating, schizophrenia, chronic bronchitis,
epilepsy, head injuries, impotence, malaria, sores, cuts, and ringworm.
• It promotes red blood cells, intestinal
peristalsis, and resistance to cold.
• Reduces fever, lowers blood sugar, helps
destroy and inhibit tumors.
• Works as a sedative: exerts a quieting,
soothing or tranquilizing effect
• He shou wu is a classic Yin essence
(Jing) tonic, as well as a major blood tonic.
• Polygonum multiflorum can very
significantly increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. SOD is a powerful
natural antioxidant and free radical scavenger that has been demonstrated to
have powerful anti-aging benefits in humans.
• Polygonum multiflorum has been
demonstrated to help strengthen the membranes of erythrocytes (red blood cells)
and to promote the growth and development of erythrocytes.
• Polygonum multiflorum is being used
clinically in China for patients suffering from Schizophrenia. It is generally
combined with Shen stabilizing herbs such as Ziziphus and Polygonum stem.
Reportedly, results have been good.
• Has been shown in clinical studies,
combined with astragalus and salvia, to help against alopecia (Subhuti
Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland,
Oregon 3)
• Processed ho-shou-wu was shown to have
effects on the antioxidant system superoxide dismutase (SOD), accumulation of
lipid peroxidase, and enhancement of cell-mediated immune responses, while the
unprocessed ho-shou-wu showed much less effect (Subhuti Dharmananda 3)
Warnings
Keep in mind
the following things when thinking of consuming He Shou Wu:
• You may not want to eat this if you are
sensitive to gluten
• Remember that there are different grades
of this herb and the quality of a product is dependent upon the selection of
raw material.
• Ho-shou-wu is essentially non-toxic and
without any serious side-effects. However, it contains anthraquinones which
tend to cause soft stool and may even cause slight diarrhea in some users. The
processed ho-shou-wu has less of this effect than the dried ho-shou-wu. Because
of this effect, it is recommended that persons who already suffer from loose
stool use this herb cautiously. There is a very slight chance of liver
hypersensitivity to intestinal metabolites of the ho-shou-wu active
ingredients. Recently, a clinical report of one such case was published (18).
However, given the very wide-spread use of this herb, it is reasonable to
assume that the chances of such an adverse response are quite small. (Subhuti
Dharmananda
3)
He Shou Wu
Quotes and Folklore
Chinese
ancient myths regarding the He Shou Wu root are continued here from above:
"Ho-Shou
began with the legend of the impotent Chinese man who was 58 years old and was
trapped by a flood in the mountains for seven days. The only food he ate was
the Fo-ti herb, later known as Ho-Shou-Wu. He developed a strong sexual desire
and fathered several offspring. One of which was named Ho-Ven-Shiu which was an
outstanding offspring who lived to be 160 years of age. Hisson Ho-Shou-Wu lived
to the age of 130 and died with black hair. A modern Chinese herbalist
Li-Chung-Vun lived 256 years of age, was married 24 times and looked like a
young man of 50 when he died. His secret: one should have a quiet heart, sit
calmly like a tortoise, walk sprightly like a pigeon, and sleep soundly like a
dog. He drank Ho-Shou-Wu and ginseng daily."
- The Root
of the Matter 1
He Shou Wu
soup with black beans
"For a
further look at the real herbal lore behind ho-shou-wu, the herb is described
in the following passage in Li Shizhen's famous compendium of 1578 (published
posthumously in 1596), Bencao Gang Mu (8):
"The
root of the 50-year-old plant is called "mountain slave:" taken for a
year, it will preserve the black color of the hair. The root of the
100-year-old plant is called "mountain brother:" taken for a year, it
will bring a glowing complexion and a cheerful disposition. The root of the
150-year-old plant is called "mountain uncle:" taken for a year, it
will rejuvenate the teeth. The root of the 200-year-old plant is called
"mountain father:" taken for a year it will banish old age and give
the power to run like a deer. The root of the 300-year-old plant is called
"mountain spirit:" taken for a year, one becomes an earthly
immortal"
- (Subhuti
Dharmananda 3)
Fo-ti Root
Testimonials
"I make
a slow cooker tea (Yes, we purchased a slow cooker on your recommendation) of
your Fo Ti and Schizandra berries Wow! It almost makes me wonder how people can
do without food like this."
"[Fo
Ti] is great stuff, and both our aches and pains are being felt again without
it. [...] Al has had back pain, stiffness and less flexibility than he would
like. With the Fo Ti daily he is much better, less to no pain, more
flexibility, quicker recovery from sports exertion. I was having neck stiffness
and mild joint pain before using it. With daily use my neck feels great, I can
turn a greater (normal) radius, my joints feel great!"
"Just
wanted to let you know I have been taking the maral root and fo ti root and I
LOVE THEM! They give me energy, clear thinking and a peacefulness during very
stressfull times. I also noticed my tendon pains are less in my arms! Awesome
stuff."
"Both
my husband and I (age 50 and 56) have had trouble sleeping--getting to sleep as
well as often not sleeping through the night. Now, a cup or two of the Fo Ti
almost always guarantees falling asleep as well as sleeping right through the
night. We keep a room temp jug of it on hand at all times."
"I've
gotten myself a crock pot and have been crocking Fo-Ti, I think its pretty
great stuff. and really lke the smell & taste. I really like how relaxed it
makes me feel, it beats the hell out of valium or xanex which occasionally I've
had call upon. Also, the prospect of being a kidney tonic has me quite
excited..."
"I just
tried the fo ti by leaving a handful in boiling water for 10 mins and then
drinking; I loved it. I felt very slightly stoned and giggly afterwards - is
that normal?"
Fo-ti Root
Dosage and How to Use
"Must
take in moderate doses. Do not use over 15 grams of pure root at a time as it
may cause stomach pain." -
• Can be used in teas, tinctures, or in
encapsulated form.
• Best when consumed on a regular basis.
• Mix with Ginseng Root Powder and
Cinnamon Powder and add honey, to make a spread for toast or crackers.
• Polygonum is one of the rare herbs that
is often consumed by itself. However, it is still better used by combining with
other tonic herbs such as Ginseng, Acanthopanax (Siberian Ginseng), Lycium,
Dang Gui, Astragalus, etc.
• Polygonum is prepared by boiling it in a
soup of black beans. This preparation changes the characteristic of the herb.
