Regarded as the “Elixir of Life” by many in Asia, this legendary herb has a very colourful history. It has a reputation for enhancing longevity and energy, and has been used for centuries to boost libido, fertility, to maintain hair colour and rejuvenate the nerves and brain cells.

Hailed as the “Cure to Old Age”, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has used it to treat anything from acne and athletes foot to constipation and erectile dysfunction.

Heart Health

Fo-ti contains beneficial dietary lectin compounds that have been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels. Lectins are protein-sugar complexes that attach to specific arrangements of carbohydrates in the body, acting like antibodies but without the allergy symptoms. It is through this mechanism that they can block the formation of plaque in blood vessels, preventing or delaying the onset of heart conditions such as heart disease and atherosclerosis.

Sexual Health

Increased fertility, sexual vigour and the ability to treat erectile dysfunction are other benefits you can expect to receive from fo-ti. Researchers believe these effects are due to the proven ability of this herb to raise red blood cell counts and improve circulation – meaning fo-ti’s power to increase blood flow to “all the right places” could be the key to its success in the bedroom.

In TCM this herb is known as a “Jing” tonic, which loosely translates as “vital essence” and refers to the primordial energy that fuels all life and, by extension, sexuality and drive.

Menopause

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found “surprisingly high oestrogen activity” in fo-ti, suggesting it may alleviate symptoms of menopause.

Hair Health

In Asia, fo-ti is famed for reversing grey hair. It is thought to do this through its ability to restore melanin – the pigment that gives hair and skin its colour. Improved blood circulation and flow to the hair follicles is thought to be responsible for this root’s ability to prevent hair loss.

Longevity

Research has shown that the fo-ti root increases the production of the body’s master antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD). Levels of this important antioxidant decline with age, leaving the body open to damage by one of the most dangerous free radicals – superoxide. Preventing this damage addresses the fundamental cause of aging, damage to the DNA by oxygen-free radicals.

To further boost the antioxidant activity of this root, it also contains the powerful antioxidants stilbene glycosides. Combining these with the increased production of SOD is possibly the most significant function that fo-ti has for enhancing longevity.

• Decline in memory and thinking skills that occurs normally with age.
• Abnormal levels of cholesterol or blood fats (dyslipidemia).
• Alzheimer disease.
• Back pain.
• Insomnia.
• Cancer.
• Constipation.
• Dizziness (vertigo).
• Graying hair.
• Heart disease.
• High levels of cholesterol or other fats (lipids) in the blood (hyperlipidemia).
• Insomnia.
• Itching.
• Liver disease.
• Long-term kidney disease (chronic kidney disease or CKD).
• Male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).
• Muscle strength.
• Osteoarthritis.
• Parkinson disease.
• Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata).
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus).
• Swelling (inflammation) of the prostate due to infection.
• Tuberculosis.
• Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis).

How to use:

2 – 4 grams up to twice a day or as recommended by a herbal practitioner

Chrysophanic acid, chrysophanol, emodin

Not to be used while pregnant. Excessive use may cause gastro-intestinal upset and diarrhea

1 lb

FO-TI/HoShouWu (Polygonum multiflorum) Pieces

From Central China