Fleeceflower Root Fo-Ti root Benefits.

Contents

• Botanical Info of Fo-ti.
• Description of Fo-ti.
• Active Compounds and Phytochemicals.
• Historical Uses and Application.
• Common Uses,Actions and Properties.
• Dosage and Administration.
• Available forms,safety of Fo-ti root.
• Legend of Foti or Ho-Shou-Wu.
• Processing of Fo-ti.
• Fo-Ti:substitutes and Alternatives,And Potential Mistakes in Identity.
• Research Update of Foti:Polygonum multiflorum.

Historical Uses and Application.:

History and folk medicine legends:

 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 impotence.

 Chung Yun, a famous Chinese herbalist who reportedly lived to be 256 years old, used Fo-Ti on a daily basis. This herb is thought to have been responsible for both his long life and his legendary sexual prowess, (he was said to have had 24 wives).

 Fo-ti has a history of reversing and preventing the effects of aging, through a story of a Chinese farmer "Black haired Mr. He". This story gave the herb it's name, Hu shou wu meaning "Black haired Mr. He".
 

 Historical Uses and Application:

 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.

 Uses: The reddish brown tuberous root grows to enormous proportions, used as a longevity and sexual tonic for men and to help build blood. Tonic, laxative, antispasmodic, antibacterial used in China to treat dizziness tetanus, cramps, prematurely gray hair, and to increase mental clarity. See anti-aging products. Roots are used to restore blood, liver and kidneys, and is precribed for conditions as varied as vertigo, insomnia, lumbago and constipation. Recent evidence shows it to be effective against high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries and veins.

 A laxative effect is probably the only real action of he shou wu, at least as far as is presently known. Other species of Polygonum do contain leucoanthocyanidins that possess anti-inflammatory activity, decrease blood coagulability, and have various cardiovascular effects. It is possible that some of these compounds may eventually be discovered in he shou wu. Until then, the drug must be categorized simply as a laxative with various undetermined side effects.
 


 Traditional Chinese herbalists place great emphasis on the shape and age of the roots, with the older roots being in greater demand.

 The unprocessed root is sometimes used. 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 is "Red Fo-Ti".

 Modern research indicates that this herb contains an alkaloid that has rejuvenating effects on the nerves, brain cells and endocrine glands. It stimulates a portion of the adrenal gland and helps to detoxify the body. Hair health, energy and sexual vigor are the products of this rejuvenation.

 Folk Lore:

 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 uses Fo-Ti to treat premature aging, weakness, vaginal discharges, numerous infectious diseases, angina pectoris, and impotence.

 There are many literature about foti root:He-Show-Wu from ancient China,a story name He-Shou-Wu Legend written by Li Ao of Tang Dynasty spread widely.

 According to the description,He Shou Wu is a native people of Nan He County of Shun Zhou,his grandfather named Neng Si,his father named Yan Xiu.Original name of Neng Si is Tian Er,weakly from childhood,no sexual desire when grew up,got to mountains for learning Taoism.One day,Neng Si drunk and sleep on stones in day,its nearly night when he woke up,catch sight of a plant with double stems and numerous leaves,the stems and leaves intersected little by little and diparted later,he astonished of this scene.The next day,Neng Si dig out the root from the plant and dig out a root,he hand it to many people and no one named it,an old man said it may be a kind of elixir.Neng Si want to try its effects and have it taken for 7 days, and he suddenly got sexual desire that day.He keep trying it 3 to 4 months and bacame strong,after 1 year taken this root,Neng Si got rid of his old disease and looks fine,hair became black and shining.In the following 10 years,Neng Si had several sons and daughters,so he changed his name from Tian Er to Neng Si.Later he offer this root to his son Yan Xiu, and Yan Xiu offer this root to his son Shou Wu,the grandfather Neng Si and his son,grandson all live to 160 years old.Li Qi An is a neighbour and good friend of Shou Wu,he take this root and live very long,and he make this root public known,many people try this and it functions fine,so they name this root He Shou Wu which could extend life longevity and make hair black.

Li Ao,Tang Dynasty,He-Shou-Wu Legend

 Fo-ti protein-sugar complexes or fo-ti lectins:antibodies substitutor,plaques inhibitor and boost immune system

 Processed fo-ti contains protein-sugar complexes known as lectins. Extracts of the plant have shown antipyretic, antitumour, hypoglycaemic (treat type II diabetes) and sedative activity.

 Processed fo-ti contains protein-sugar complexes known as lectins. Because they attach to specific arrangements of carbohydrates on cells in the body, lectins act like antibodies, but they do not cause allergy symptoms. The lectins in processed fo-ti may affect fat levels in the blood, helping to prevent or delay heart disease by blocking the formation of plaques in blood vessels. Plaques are accumulations of fat and other cells that restrict the size of blood vessels and limit the flexibility of their walls.

 Because they attach to specific arrangements of carbohydrates on cells in the body, lectins act like antibodies, but they do not cause allergy symptoms. The lectins in processed fo-ti may affect fat levels in the blood, helping to prevent or delay heart disease by blocking the formation of plaques in blood vessels. Plaques are accumulations of fat and other cells that restrict the size of blood vessels and limit the flexibility of their walls. In animal studies, processed fo-ti also reduced the amount of fat that deposited in the liver and it may protect the liver from damage by toxins such as dry cleaning fluid. Processed fo-ti may also have immune system effects.


 Antimicrobial:Foti root exhibits antimicrobial properties against mycobacteria and malaria.

 Bodybuilding:Long considered the best energy herb, Fo-Ti (or He Shou Wu) has been found to have a number of useful benefits besides merely increasing physical energy. It also helps purify the blood, reduces blood cholesterol levels (and thus the risk of associated heart disease), lowers blood pressure, has a cleansing effect on the liver and kidneys, and has been used for constipation, insomnia, and nausea. Fo-Ti is especially useful to bodybuilders as it also strengthens bones, ligaments, and muscles. It also has been shown to aid in the production of red blood cells.

 Among the Chinese, Fo-Ti has long been believed to preserve youthfulness (including hair color), sexuality, and fertility.While modern science has yet to prove that it is a fountain of youth a number of studies have supported the benefits to cholesterol levels, liver and kidneys, bone and muscle strength, and energy,all of importance to any serious bodybuilder.

 Blood sugar levels:Chinese research has revealed that he shou wu helps to increase the levels of sugar in the blood.

 Blood-deficiency syndrome marked by pale, dizziness, palpitation, irregular menstruation:it is used with herbs for replenishing blood and regulating menstruation, such as Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Radix Rehmanniae Preparata, Colla Corii Asini, Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, etc.

 Cholesterol levels:Protect arteriesThe whole root has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, according to animal and human research, as well as to decrease hardening of the arteries, or arteriosclerosis. Lecithin functions prevent the aggradation of cholesterol in liver and resort of lipoid in blood serum,so as prevent arteriosclerosis.

 In animal experiments in China, he shou wu was shown to reduce raised blood cholesterol levels significantly. Also, in a clinical trial, over 80% of patients with high blood cholesterol who had been taking decoctions of the root showed an improvement.Fleece flower root is taken internally in the treatment of menstrual and menopausal complaints, constipation in the elderly, swollen lymph gands and high cholesterol levels. It is very effective in reducing high cholesterol levels in the blood and increase blood sugar levels.

 Countering infection:In China, experiments have demonstrated that he shou wu has the ability to counter the tuberculosis bacillus, and it is thought that it may be helpful in the treatment of malaria.

 Clearing away toxins:The raw fleece flower root can also function in clearing away toxins and lubricating the bowels, serving to treat scrofula, carbuncle and constipation due to dryness of the bowels.

 Constipation due to deficiency of the blood and dryness of the bowels:Fo-Ti does contain a number of glycosides that account for the herbs use as a remedy for stomach disorders and constipation. it is often used with chinese angelica root, hemp seed, etc. The stem is deobstruent (removes obstructions) and sedative. It is taken internally in the treatment of insomnia and neurasthenia (a condition of nervous debility supposed to be dependent upon impairment in the functions of the spinal cord) whilst it is applied externally to ringworm.

 Deficiency of both the liver and kidney and insufficiency of essence and blood manifested as weakness of the loins and legs, vertigo, blurred vision, insomnia, ammesia, premature grey hair, etc.:it is often used with herbs for replenishing the liver ad kidney, and enriching essence and blood, such as Semen Cuscutae, Fructus Lycii, Radix Angelicae Sinensis,Fructus Psoraleae, Radix Achyrant his, Bidentatae, etc.

 Fatty acid synthase inhibitor:Fo-ti is a Chinese herbal obtained from the roots of the polygonum multiflorun. Fo-Ti is well known for its properties as an adaptogen and its purported role in increasing longevity, preventing premature aging and graying hair. More recently, it has been found that fo-ti is a fatty acid synthase inhibitor. Fatty acid synthase is the only enzyme that can generate fats within the cell; all other fat comes from the diet. The inhibition of this enzyme can help to reduce fat storage and production in the fat cell.

 

 Energy booster and nutritional support:

 Most herbalists say a lack of energy is caused by impurities in the body and/or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. FO-TI is an energy booster and provides nutritional support to the circulatory system and helps remove impurities which can cause lack of energy.Youthful vigor, increase energy:Eastern and Western herbalists recommend Fo-Ti as a tonic to maintain youthful vigor, increase energy, tone the kidneys and liver and purify the blood. It is also employed as a remedy for insomnia, stomach upset, and diabetes. Fo-Ti contains a number of glycosides that account for the herbs use as a remedy for stomach disorders and constipation.

 Estrogen-Like Effects:

 One of the most important issues in women's health concerns the risks and benefits of estrogen replacement therapy. Continual uncertainty and lack of consensus regarding estrogen replacement therapy has driven many women to seek alternative sources of estrogen, including herbal remedies. We adapted a recombinant cell bioassay to measure estrogen bioactivity in herbs. We studied, in vitro, estrogen bioactivity in red clover, dong quai, black cohosh, soy, licorice, chaste tree berry, fo-ti, and hops. Soy, clover, licorice, and hops have a large amount of measurable estrogen bioactivity, as suspected, based on previous reports using other methods. We discovered surprisingly high estrogen activity in extracts of fo-ti not previously reported. Chaste tree berry, black cohosh, and dong quai did not have measurable activity with this method. We also discovered that removal of a glycone group from soy increases its estrogen bioactivity significantly. We conclude that this recombinant cell bioassay for estradiol can be used to measure bioactivity in herbal products. The preparations of fo-ti studied had estrogen activity of 409 +- 55 pmol/liter estradiol equivalents per microgram of herb, which is 1/300th the activity of 17 beta-estradiol. Clinical studies are underway to determine the estrogen bioactivity in women using dietary supplements containing these herbs.[Karen Oerter Klein,Mona Janfaza,Jeffrey A. Wong and R. Jeffrey Chang.University of California,San Diego,San Diego, California 92123]

 Fertility boost:

 Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum): First mentioned in Chinese herbal medicine in 713 A.D., it has become one of the most important and widely used. It is taken regularly for its rejuvenating and toning properties and to increase fertility in both men and women.

 Laxative effect:

 The unprocessed roots possess a mild laxative effect.

 Longevity and rejuvenating tonic:Adaptogen and Anti-Aging.

 Fo-Ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is one of the most widely used Chinese tonic herbs. Fo-Ti Root is well recognized as a rejuvenating and longevity tonic in China, where it's consumed routinely by those concerned with youthful strength and vigor. There is also evidence that Fo-Ti offers natural nutritional support for healthy cholesterol levels. It is an Adaptogen.In China, millions take fo-ti regularly for its rejuvenating and toning properties. It is used to increase liver and kidney function and to cleanse the blood. The plant is also prescribed for symptoms of premature aging such as gray hair.


 Lower cholesterol levels:

 The whole root has been shown to lower cholesterol levels, according to animal and human research, as well as to decrease hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. Other fo-ti research has investigated this herb's role in strong immune function, red blood cell formation and antibacterial action
 

 Liver and kidney remedy:The leaves and roots tonify the liver and kidneys, fortify the blood, strengthen the muscles and prevent premature greying of the hair.In Chinese herbal medicine, he shou wu' s most important use is as a tonic for the liver and kidneys.The prepared herb is slightly warm but not dry and not greasy. It functions in replenishing the liver and kidney, benefiting essence and blood, astringing primordial energy. By strengthening liver and kidney function, he shou wu helps to cleanse the blood, enabling the qi to circulate freely around the whole body.Replenishes the liver and kidney, enriches vital essence and blood, lubricates the bowel, moistens the intestines, relieves constipation, and clears away toxins.

 Malaria:The herb is prescribed in the treatment of chronic malaria, when he shou wu is often combined with ginseng (Panax ginseng), Chinese angelica (Angelica sinensis,), and green tangerine peel (Citrus reticulata).

 For Chronic malaria due to deficiency of both qi and blood:it is often used with ginseng, chineseangelica root, tangerine peel, etc., as in Decoction of Fleece Flower Root and Ginseng (He Ren Yin).

 Nerve and blood tonic:He shou wu is given in Chinese herbal medicine to people with symptoms, such as dizziness, weakness, numbness, and blurred vision, which indicate inefficient nerves and "blood deficiency."

 Popular Chinese tonic:Although he shou wu is not the earliest tonic herb listed in Chinese herbal medicine (it is first mentioned in AD 713), he shou wu has certainly become one of the most important and widely used. He shou wu is taken regularly by millions of people throughout the East for its rejuvenating and toning properties and to increase fertility in both men and women.

 Premature aging:He shou wu is prescribed in China for people showing signs of premature aging, including graying of the hair. This use suggests that the herb supports the body, helping it function in a balanced, healthy way.

 Scrofula, pyogenic infection and ulcer of skin:it is used with herbs for softening the hard mass and removing scrofula, such as Spica Prunellae, Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae, Radix Scrophulariae, etc.

 Vitality and virility:Fleece flower root is considered to be one of the most important of the Chinese herbal tonics and is widely used. It is said to restore vitality and virility, working especially on the liver and the reproductive, urinary and circulatory systems. This herb is mild in action and very effective in tonification. It is said that anyone who takes this herb regularly for a long period can prolong his life. It serves to treat insufficiency of both the liver and kidey, deficiency of essence and blood, and deability of the lower-jiao.


 Fo-ti and Other uses:

 Blood deficiency, premature graying of the hair, nerve damage, wind rash, eczema, sores, carbuncles, goiter, scrofula and inflammation of lymph nodes and heat toxicity. The herb is also used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure and restore from exhaustion.

Reference:

• 1.Fleeceflower Root Fo-Ti root Benefits.

This article written and edited via herbalist of MDidea Extracts Professional. They run a range of online descriptions about this herb,including general information related and summarized updating discoveries from findings of professional scientisits this field related.Describe style aimed to form a useful detecting literature space where the intertwined threshold and related questions raise out and visualize themselves.

♣ last edit date:13th,Oct.2010.