Fo-ti is known as Chinese climbing knotweed or “he shou wu,” which means “the black-haired Mr. He.” - Mr. He being a man of Chinese legend who restored his youth and sexual potency by taking fo-ti tea. Its scientific name is Polygonum multiflorum.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Fo-ti root is employed for its wellness-supporting properties and to energetically nourish the heart and calm the spirit. It has been used in longevity tonics to ward off aging. It is also been used to treat a variety of other conditions, such as constipation and skin problems. Shampoos containing the herb help combat hair loss and graying. It is also brewed into teas and made into pills.
There are two versions of it:
· White fo-ti, which is unprocessed and generally used to relieve constipation. It is also used to treat acne, athlete’s foot and scrapes.
· Red fo-ti, which is typically cooked with a mixture of yellow rice wine and black soybean juice. It can help restore the color of graying hair, combat premature aging and offset erectile dysfunction. It is also used to treat:
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headaches
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muscle soreness
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high blood pressure
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tuberculosis
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diabetes
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cancer
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infertility
Some research suggests that a
compound found in fo-ti may help treat Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s
disease. Researchers have found that it may have neuroprotective properties and
antioxidant effects.
It has also been linked
to improvements in learning and memory in research on mice. Some studies also
suggest that fo-ti may contain compounds that can help treat inflammation, high
cholesterol and cancer.
Another study found “surprisingly high estrogen activity” in fo-ti. This suggests it might provide a potential estrogen replacement source for menopausal women. And because of this estrogen-like effects, you should be cautious about taking fo-ti if you have a history of estrogen-related breast, ovarian, uterine, or prostate cancer.
When it comes to using
fo-ti for constipation, certain compounds in the herb have a laxative effect.
Those compounds are called anthraquinones. However, they may also cause liver
damage in both raw and processed forms.
Common side effects of taking fo-ti include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting. It may also lower your body’s potassium level, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness. It can also cause an allergic rash in some people, besides causing liver damage. And if you are pregnant, you should avoid taking products that contain it.
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