Native to China, fo-ti is a flowering vine with a woody tuber. Fo ti, Polygonum multiflorum, is referred to as he shou wu in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Fo-ti root is employed in TCM for its wellness-supporting properties and to energetically nourish the heart and calm the spirit. Typical preparations include decocting and tincturing. Fo-Ti belongs to the Polygonaceae family.
Fo-ti has red stems, heart shaped leaves and either white or pink flowers. 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.
Depending on the method of processing, there are four different types of fo-ti on the market: raw, cured, wine, and steamed. Raw and cured are the most used, and the ones mostly imported into the US. 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 cured in the water used to cook black beans for this purpose. The curing of fo-ti has been found to increase the phosphates (presumably lecithin) by close to 30%, also increasing the sugar content. According to TCM, the production of traditional fo-ti root is revered and kept as a close secret. However, the basic process involves curing raw fo-ti roots in a soup of black bean sauce. This product does not contain gluten.
Precautions
Cured in a black soy liquid. Excessive use may cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea. We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For educational purposes only.
