Fo-Ti Root and Powder Profile
Also known as- Polygonum multiflorum, ho shou wu, fleeceflower vine, and polygonum flower.
Introduction
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fo-Ti is one of the herbs used to nourish the heart and calm the spirit. The literal English translation of its name is "vine to pass through the night." With a distinctive sweet yet bitter taste, fo-ti was thought to unblock the channels of energy through the body, allowing the escape of the pathogenic influences that cause generalized weakness, soreness, pain, and fatigue. The plant is also used as a wash for itching and skin rashes.
Another use of the herb is bringing color back to graying hair. The Chinese nickname for the herb, ho shou wu, literally means "Mr. He's Black Hair," Mr. He being a man of Chinese legend who restored his youth and sexual potency by taking Fo-Ti tea. Chinese tradition teaches that the herb should be used by itself or cooked in the water used to cook black beans for this purpose.
Constituents
Chrysophanic acid, chrysophanol, emodin.
Parts Used
Two varieties are known.
Traditional Chinese medicine call for a Fo-Ti which is cured in a black bean sauce, however there is also a form known as "White Fo-Ti" which is firm, coarse, and light brown or beige in color. The variety stocked by Mountain Rose Herbs is cured in bean sauce according to Chinese standards.
Typical Preparations
Teas and tinctures. Traditionally combined with jujubes and/or biota to treat insomnia. Sometimes found in capsule form.
Summary
The traditional indication for Fo-Ti is insomnia with nightmares. Fo-Ti is a mild stimulant to estrogen production in women, making it appropriate for treating a variety of undesirable symptoms in menopause.
Precautions
Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known. Excessive use can cause numbness in the hands and feet„allow at least 3 months to notice change in hair color. There are reports of hepatitis caused by the Chinese patent medicine Fo-Ti-Tieng, but this similarly named product does not contain the herb. Excessive use may also cause gastro-intestinal upset.
