Fo-ti, also known as Chinese knotweed, is a flowering perennial vine with a woody tuber. Native to central and southern China, fo-ti is a popular herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where it is referred to as he shou wu. For centuries, fo-ti root powder has been used in TCM for its beneficial qualities and energetics related to nourishing the heart and calming the spirit. Our fo-ti powder is milled from Polygonum multiflorum and cured making it ideal for use in capsules, extracts, or in addition to herbal formulations.
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, and fatigue.
The TCM name for this herb, he shou wu, literally translates to "Mr. He's Black Hair", Mr. He being a man of legend who drank fo-ti tea for its beneficial properties. With his energetic channels flowing freely it is said that this herb restored his youth which was indicated by the return of color to graying hair.
There are four different types of fo-ti on the market: raw, cured, wine and steamed. Of these, raw and cured are the most used and therefore the most often found in the US, these are also the two forms recommended for consumption in TCM.
The curing of fo-ti has been found to increase the available phosphates by close to 30%, also increasing the sugar content. The traditional method of curing fo-ti is revered and kept as a close secret. However, the basic process involves steaming the roots in water, also called juice or sauce, that has been used to cook black beans.
This product does not contain gluten.
Precautions
Cured in a black soy liquid. Contains soy. 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.
