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Fo-Ti
Botanical name: Polygonum
multiflorum
Fo-ti is a
plant native to China, where it continues to be widely
grown. It also grows extensively in Japan and Taiwan.
The unprocessed root is sometimes used medicinally.
However, once it has been boiled in a special liquid
made from black beans, it is considered a superior and
rather different medicine according to Traditional
Chinese Medicine. The unprocessed root is sometimes
called white fo-ti and the processed root red fo-ti.
According to Chinese herbal medicine, the unprocessed
root is used to relax the bowels and detoxify the blood,
and the processed root is used to strengthen the blood,
invigorate the kidneys and liver, and serve as a tonic
to increase overall vitality.
Historical
or traditional use
The Chinese
common name for fo-ti, he-shou-wu, was the name of a
Tang dynasty man whose infertility was supposedly cured
by fo-ti. In addition, his long life was attributed to
the tonic properties of this herb. Since then,
Traditional Chinese Medicine has used fo-ti to treat
premature aging, weakness, vaginal discharges, numerous
infectious diseases, angina pectoris, and erectile
dysfunction.
Active
constituents
The
major constituents of fo-ti are anthraquinones,
phospholipids (e.g., lecithin), tannins, and
tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside. The processed root has
been used to lower cholesterol levels in Traditional
Chinese Medicine. According to animal research, it helps
to decrease fat deposits in the blood and possibly
prevent atherosclerosis. However, human clinical trials
are lacking to support this use. Test tube studies have
suggested fo-tis ability to stimulate immune function,
increase red blood cell formation, and exert an
antibacterial action. None of these effects has been
studied in humans. The unprocessed roots have a mild
laxative
action.
How much is
usually taken?
The typical
recommended intake is 11 1/2 teaspoons (48 grams) per
day. A tea can be made from processed roots by boiling
1/21 teaspoons (35 grams) in 1 cup (250 ml) of water
for ten to fifteen minutes. Three or more cups are
suggested each day. Five fo-ti tablets (500 mg each) can
be taken three times per day.
Are there
any side effects or interactions?
The
unprocessed roots may cause mild diarrhea. Some people
who are sensitive to fo-ti may develop a skin rash.
Taking more than 15 grams of processed root powder may
cause numbness in the arms or legs.
At the time
of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions
with fo-ti.
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