Detox The Body With Fo-Ti

Fo ti is also known as He shou wu (in Chinese medicine) and Polygonum multifloru. It is a plant that is native to Japan, Taiwan and China. It is the root of fo ti that is used for medicinal purposes and as a dietary supplement. In traditional Chinese medicine, fo ti is prepared by boiling it in an infusion made with black beans. The result is known as red fo ti, or processed fo ti. Red fo ti is thought to act as a tonic that improves energy and vitality, and is also thought to fortify the blood, liver and kidneys. The raw and unprocessed root is known as white fo ti.

Herbal fo ti was first recorded in Chinese medicine in 713 AD during the Tang dynasty. He shou wu, translates to Chinese as “black-haired Mr. He”. The name comes from an old Chinese legend. The story goes that an old villager called Mr. He was 58 and had been unable to father a child. He took fo ti on a regular basis after taking advice from a monk. The story goes that taking the root restored his youthful appearance (including his black hair) and his vitality. He was also able to father numerous children.

Fo-ti is the dried or cured root of a twining vine in the knotweed family, mostly found throughout China, except in the extreme northeast. It is also occasionally grown in American gardens as an ornamental. Ask Chinese herbalists about “fo-ti” and they would not know what you’re talking about because of its Chinese name he-shou-wu. The name was given to the plant by a marketer in the early 1970s for the American herb business.

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 is one of the more widely used tonics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which employs it to enhance longevity, increase vigor, and promote fertility. It is also an ingredient in TCM formulas for premature gray hair, low back pain, angina pectoris, low energy, and other conditions.

Fo-ti is available in capsule and tablet forms at your local or internet health food store. Always look for name brands like Solaray, Now foods, and Natures Way to ensure quality and purity of the product you purchase.

*Statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Fo ti is not intended to diagnose, treat and cure or prevent disease. Always consult with your professional health care provider before changing any medication or adding Vitamins to medications.