Fo-ti is a popular Chinese tonic herb, dating back to 713 AD. It is used to increase liver and kidney function and to cleanse the blood. The plant is also prescribed for symptoms of premature aging, such as gray hair, and is commonly found in hair care products in China.
What are the health benefits of Fo-Ti?
Fo-ti is best known for aiding hair growth and preventing hair loss, but it boasts a host of other health benefits, as well. Fo-ti is well-known and widely used for its hair growth and hair rejuvenation benefits. Many studies suggest the herb may help prevent hair loss and restore color to graying hair (x).
What is Fo-Ti used for in Chinese medicine?
In TCM, fo-ti is used as a tonic for treating dizziness, blurred vision, greying hair, soreness/weakness of lower back and knees, spermatorrhea (involuntary ejaculation), and nocturnal emissions (ejaculation while sleeping), which are believed in TCM to be associated with blood deficiencies.
What does Fo-Ti stand for?
History. Radix Polygoni multiflori or he shou wu is a popular Chinese tonic herb, whose usage dates back to 713 AD. 2 Fo-ti appears to be a name given to the preparation for use in areas where Chinese is not the primary language. 4 It is considered one of the country's great 4 herbal tonics, along with angelica, lycium, and panax,...
What is Fo-Ti made of?
It is comprised of a woody tuber (root) from which the fo-ti is extracted, long vine-like stems and large leaves with white, arrow-shaped, flowers. Fo-ti is best known for aiding hair growth and preventing hair loss, but it boasts a host of other health benefits, as well.
How much Foti should I take?
The typical dose is 10 to 30 grams, decocted. According to the Natural Medicines Database, 3 to 6 grams of raw extract and/or 6 to 12 grams of the processed extract have been used. The appropriate dose for you may depend on factors including your age, gender, and medical history.
How often should you take fo-ti?
Supplements and DosageFo-ti dosage recommendations differ depending on the condition you're treating, your age and general health. ... There have not been any clinical studies supporting a specific dosage of fo-ti. ... Doses of 560 milligrams in dried capsule form can be taken two to three times daily.More items...•
What are the side effects of Foti?
Common side effects of taking fo-ti include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting. It may also lower your body's potassium level, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness. It can also cause an allergic rash in some people.
Is fo-ti good for hair?
Studies show that using fo-ti may help support healthy hair growth, both by inducing the anagen (or growth phase) in resting hair follicles and by encouraging cells at the root of the hair to multiply faster.
Does fo-ti work for gray hair?
By neutralizing hydrogen peroxide, fo-ti is thought to be effective as a treatment to reverse or prevent gray hair. Beyond supporting hair growth and preventing hair loss and gray hair, fo-ti is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to address a wide variety of health conditions, including: Alzheimer's disease.
How long can you take fo-ti?
She tells me that fo-ti can be consumed raw or after processing. A preparation made from the raw tuber generally is used as a laxative and is intended to be taken only in the short term, for about two or three days.
Does Fo-Ti grow hair?
Fo-ti might affect the levels of various chemicals in the body that are thought to have anti-aging effects. Fo-ti might also increase the number of hair follicles and stimulate hair growth.
Does Fo-Ti have estrogen?
Estrogen activity in fo-ti was equivalent to that observed for soy and red clover. This herb has not been studied previously by any system, and our finding suggests that fo-ti may be another candidate for alternative medicine therapy in the menopause.
What minerals are in Fo-Ti?
The major constituents of fo-ti are anthraquinones, phospholipids (e.g., lecithin), tannins, and tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside. The processed root has been used to lower cholesterol levels in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Does Shou Wu cause liver damage?
Conclusions: The main clinicopathological injury pattern of He Shou Wu-induced liver injury is moderate to severe hepatitis with or without cholestasis. Most patients recover completely; however, chronic disease and death do occur.
Is He Shou Wu the same as fo-ti?
He Shou Wu is a traditional, Chinese herbal medicine, derived from the Polygonum multiflorum Thunb plant. It's known as Fo-Ti in America.
How do you take fo-ti powder?
According to Burns, it's best not to exceed a dosage of 15 grams of Fo-Ti per day—the typical dosage will be 9 to 15 grams, boiled into tea. You can also take it in a tincture or capsule form, which would be 3 to 4 grams each, twice daily.
What Is Fo-Ti Used For?
In TCM, fo-ti is used as a tonic for treating dizziness, blurred vision, greying hair, soreness/weakness of lower back and knees, spermatorrhea (involuntary ejaculation), and nocturnal emissions (ejaculation while sleeping), which are believed in TCM to be associated with blood deficiencies. The type of fo-ti typically used is red fo-ti, which is the root boiled in a liquid made with black beans.
What is the purpose of fo-ti?
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), fo-ti is used as a tonic for blood deficiencies manifesting as dizziness, blurred vision, greying hair, soreness/weakness of lower back and knees, spermatorrhea and nocturnal emissions. The type of fo-ti typically used is red fo-ti, which is the root boiled in a liquid made with black beans.
How much foti should I take?
There is not enough clinical scientific data to provide a recommended dose of fo-ti. The typical dose is 10 to 30 grams, decocted. According to the Natural Medicines Database, 3 to 6 grams of raw extract and/or 6 to 12 grams of the processed extract have been used.
Where is Fo Ti from?
Richard N. Fogoros, MD. Updated on July 17, 2019. Fo-ti ( Polygonum multiflorum ) is a plant that is native to China and also found in Japan and Taiwan. Used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a blood tonic, fo-ti is known as He Shou Wu (which means "black-haired Mr.
Is fo-ti powder safe?
It may also be combined with other products. The safety and effectiveness of fo-ti, when combined with other herbs or compounds, is not known.
Can you get a rash from taking fo-ti?
The report's authors also stated the liver damage associated with fo-ti is reversible and that after active treatment, the majority could be cured. Rarely, people develop an allergic skin rash after taking fo-ti. A stimulant laxative, fo-ti may cause side effects including loose stools and diarrhea.
Can fo-ti cause diarrhea?
Fo-ti can cause a number of side effects, including loose stools and diarrhea. Fo-ti may affect blood sugar levels, particularly in people with diabetes. Rarely, people develop an allergic skin rash after taking fo-ti.
What Is Fo-Ti Root?
Fo-ti ( Fallopia multiflora or Polygonum multiflorum) is a Chinese herbal medicine that’s derived from a plant that primarily grows in China, Japan, Tibet and Taiwan . Fo-ti is a member of the plant family called Polygonaceae and has red stems, heart-shaped leaves, and either white or pink flowers. Various parts of the plant are utilized for different medicinal purposes, including the leaves, root tuber, stem and rhizomes.
What is the benefit of a Fo-Ti?
Fo-ti benefits include its ability to help treat numerous health conditions, such as tuberculosis, cancer, prostatitis, high cholesterol, insomnia, skin ailments, constipation, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative diseases, and joint pain or soreness. Fo-ti is also used to fight signs of aging, including hair loss and graying of the hair, ...
Where does fo-ti come from?
Fo-ti ( Fallopia multiflora or Polygonum multiflorum) is a Chinese herbal medicine that’s derived from a plant that primarily grows in China, Japan, Tibet and Taiwan. It is called he shou wu in China and other parts of the world.
Why is fo-ti used in Chinese medicine?
Fo-ti root has long been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to support liver and kidney health, fight various effects of aging, and “nourish the heart and calm the spirit.” ( 1) Many of fo-ti’s benefits are due to its supply of antioxidants and beneficial compounds, including anthraquinones, emodin and chrysophanic acids.
What is the root of vitality?
The kidneys are often referred to as “the root of vitality” in TCM, since they are involved in essential life processes, including supporting our metabolism, reproduction, blood cleansing and waste removal. Fo-ti root is believed to absorb lots of qi (energy) and nourish the kidneys, which helps increase yin energy — or our “female energy” that represents allowing, opening, intuition, nourishing and receiving (“being versus doing”). Yin deficiency can contribute to accelerated aging, fatigue, burnout, stress, anxiety and aggression — all of which fo-ti may be able to help decrease.
How much fo-ti should I take daily?
It’s most commonly used at daily doses of nine to 15 grams of raw herb. ( 11) Doses of 560 milligrams in dried capsule form can be taken two to three times daily.
How long should I take foti root?
When used for this purpose, it’s recommended that you take the root short term, for about two or three days. ( 5) Taking laxatives long term may result in loose stools, dehydration and diarrhea, so use precaution when using raw fo-ti tea, tinctures or capsules in this way.
How tall does a foti plant grow?
It is a perennial climbing herb, which can grow to 30 feet in height. The plant has red stems, heart-shaped leaves and white or pink flowers. The roots of 3- to 4-year-old plants are dried in autumn. The stems and leaves are used also. Raw, wine- or steam-processed, or cured fo-ti is available in the United States.
What is the common name for a fo-ti plant?
Common Name (s) Fo-ti also is known as he shou wu, flowery knotweed, climbing knotweed, Chinese cornbind, and tuber fleeceflower. This plant should not be confused with the commercial product Fo-ti Tieng, which does not contain fo-ti.
What is it used for?
Fo-ti is a popular Chinese tonic herb, dating back to 713 AD. It is used to increase liver and kidney function and to cleanse the blood. The plant is also prescribed for symptoms of premature aging, such as gray hair, and is commonly found in hair care products in China. It is also used to treat insomnia, weak bones, constipation, and hardening and narrowing of the arteries. Regarded as a rejuvenating plant, fo-ti has been thought to prevent aging and to promote longevity. According to folklore, the older and larger roots have the most power, potentially offering mortality.
What is fo-ti used for?
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), fo-ti has been used in longevity tonics to ward off aging. It’s also been used to treat a variety of other conditions, such as constipation and skin problems. But more research is needed to test the purported benefits of fo-ti.
Where is Fo Ti from?
He.”. Its scientific name is Polygonum multiflorum. It’s a climbing plant that’s native to China. It’s also grown in Taiwan and Japan. Legend has it that famine struck the village of a poor man named Mr. He.
What is the difference between white and red fo-ti?
white fo-ti, which is unprocessed . red fo-ti, which is typically cooked with a mixture of yellow rice wine and black soybean juice. In TCM, white fo-ti is generally used to relieve constipation. It’s also used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, and scrapes. Red fo-ti is considered an energy tonic.
Is Fo-Ti a prescription drug?
It’s important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements as strictly as prescription and over-the-counter drugs.
Should I talk to my doctor before taking foti?
Always talk to your doctor before trying a new dietary supplement or complementary treatment , including fo-ti.
Is fo-ti good for you?
Early research findings suggest that fo-ti might have some potential health benefits. But the herb has also been linked to side effects, including the risk of acute liver damage.
Does fo-ti cause liver damage?
When it comes to using fo-ti for constipation, certain compounds in the herb have a laxative effect. Those compounds are called anthraquinones. However, they may also cause liver damage. According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, several people have experienced acute liver damage after taking fo-ti.
What is P. multiflorum used for?
P. multiflorum extracts are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine and in traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of cognitive disorders; however, clinical studies are lacking. 37 One study conducted among patients with Alzheimer disease (N = 209) reported that the extract was effective; details of the methodology are unclear. 39
Is tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside more effective than processed fo-ti?
40, 41, 42, 43 Raw fo-ti appeared to be more effective than processed fo-ti in 1 study. 41
Can you use P. multiflorum alone?
Extracts of P. multiflorum are not commonly used alone, but rather in combination with other herbs, 5 including Buyangahuanw Pill Jiajian Fang and Qishu decoction. Clinical trials reporting on efficacy are limited. 4
Does P. multiflorum inhibit tyrosinase activity?
Topical application of P. multiflorum has to induced follicular keratinocyte proliferation in mice. 19, 20 The inhibition of tyrosinase activity in mice melanocytes has also been demonstrated, 21 and compounds isolated from P. multiflorum roots induced a greater proliferation of dermal papilla cells than minoxidil in an in vitro study. 22
How to ensure safety of Fo-Ti?
To ensure the safety of taking Fo-Ti, always look for supplements from trusted companies backed by valid research. Additionally, be sure to follow proper dosage instructions.
What is the benefit of fo ti?
Keep reading to learn more about the different benefits of Fo-Ti for hair growth and color, as well as vitality and hormones .
Why do herbalists use Fo Ti?
Herbalists are known to use Fo-Ti as a sexual tonic, perhaps due to its general benefits for longevity.
When should I stop taking fo-ti?
Additionally, you should stop using Fo-Ti two weeks before surgery since it may interfere with blood sugar and clotting. Finally, you may want to consider taking Fo-Ti under the guidance of an herbalist, TCM practitioner, or after consulting your physician.
Does Fo Ti get better with age?
Whether you know it by Fo-Ti or He Shou Wu, this ancient plant holds intrigue that only seems to get better with age. Mindfully incorporate Fo-Ti into your routine, and you’ll get better with age, too.
Does Fo-Ti help hair growth?
Fo-Ti Benefits for Hair. For its first trick, Fo-Ti can not only improve hair growth, but also reduce hair loss. The verdict is still out on how exactly this happens. But a 2015 study suggests that Fo-Ti stimulates hair growth by working on the FGF-7 gene, which encodes proteins specific to epithelial cell growth (and therefore hair growth) ...
Can Fo-Ti be taken with ibuprofen?
Of course, it’s best to err on the side of caution and consult your doctor on the matter. Next, Fo-Ti may interact with medications such as warfarin, ibuprofen, and amitriptyline, as well as diabetes medication and laxatives, to name a few.
What is the effect of fo ti on the brain?
It stimulates a portion of the adrenal gland and helps to detoxify the body.
What are the lectins in Fo ti?
Processed Fo ti contains protein-sugar complexes known as lectins. Because they attach to specific arrangements of carbohydrates on cells in the body, lectins act like antibodies, but they do not cause allergy symptoms. The lectins in processed Fo ti may affect fat levels in the blood, helping to prevent or delay heart disease by blocking the formation of plaques in blood vessels. Plaques are accumulations of fat and other cells that restrict the size of blood vessels and limit the flexibility of their walls.
How many wives did Fo Ti have?
This herb is thought to have been responsible for both his long life and his legendary sexual prowess, (he was said to have had 24 wives). In another Chinese legend Fo ti was thought to be responsible for returning natural black colour to a previously gray-haired man- He Shou Wu means "black haired Mr. He.".
Is fo ti anti aging?
Although supported by a small number of animal studies and numerous human case reports from China, where processed fo-ti has been used for centuries as an anti-aging tonic, none of these uses for processed Fo ti has been confirmed by controlled studies in humans.
Where is Fo Ti from?
Fo-ti ( Fallopia multiflora) is a plant native to China, Japan and Taiwan. Also known as Chinese climbing knotweed, ancient Daoist texts first recorded its use as a treatment for back pain, insomnia, cancer and tuberculosis.
How tall is a fai ti?
The plant reaches a height of between two and four meters when fully grown. It is comprised of a woody tuber (root) from which the fo-ti is extracted, long vine-like stems and large leaves with white, arrow-shaped, flowers.
How much fo-ti should I take daily?
If you opt for the powder, take 2,000 mg (about 3/4 tsp) daily with food, or as directed by your physician. You can mix the powder into juice, smoothies, tea or the beverage of your choice.
Does Fo-Ti help with hair growth?
Fo-ti is best known for aiding hair growth and preventing hair loss, but it boasts a host of other health benefits, as well.
Is it safe to take fo-ti?
As long as you adhere to the recommended dosage, fo-ti is safe to take for healthy adults. However, taking it in large amounts may lead to liver damage in adults and children.
Does fo-ti slow the progression of dementia?
Emerging research suggests it could slow the progression of age-related cognitive decline in diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia. One Chinese study found a compound in fo-ti, TSG, may support the health of the hippocampus–the area of your brain responsible for memory (x). This could help prevent or slow the progression of diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s (x).
Does Fo Ti help with menopause?
Fo-ti may help relieve menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and more (x). This is because it mimics estrogen, balancing out hormone levels in menopausal women (x). Studies suggest that along with other herbal remedies for menopause like dong quai, black cohosh, red clover and soy, it could serve as a natural alternative menopause treatment (x).
What Is Fo-Ti Used for?
Possible Side Effects
- Children and pregnant and breastfeeding women shouldn't use fo-ti. It shouldn't be taken in the weeks prior to surgery. Fo-ti can cause a number of side effects, including loose stools and diarrhea. Fo-ti may affect blood sugar levels, particularly in people with diabetes. Rarely, people develop an allergic skin rash after taking fo-ti. Fo-ti may interact adversely with medications suc…
Dosage and Preparation
- It is not safe to self-prescribe herbs. If you want to try this treatment, you should work with a board-certified herbalist/naturopath. Supplements haven't been tested for safety. Because dietary supplements are largely unregulated, the content of some products may differ from what is specified on the product label.
What to Look For
- If you choose to buy fo-ti or any other supplement, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) recommends that you look for a Supplement Facts label on the product that you buy.4 This label will contain information about the amount of active ingredients per serving and other added ingredients (like fillers, binders, and flavorings). Look for a product that contains a seal of appro…
What Is Fo-Ti?
- Fo-ti is native to central and southern China and is distributed in Japan and Taiwan. It is a perennial climbing herb, which can grow to 30 feet in height. The plant has red stems, heart-shaped leaves and white or pink flowers. The roots of 3- to 4-year-old plants are dried in autumn. The stems and leaves are used also. Raw, wine- or steam-processed, or cured fo-ti is available i…
What Is It Used for?
- Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
Fo-ti is a popular Chinese tonic herb, dating back to 713 AD. It is used to increase liver and kidney function and to cleanse the blood. The plant is also prescribed for symptoms of premature aging, such as gray hair, and is commonly found in hair care products in China. It is also used to treat i… - General uses
Because evidence exists of liver injury in humans, P. multiflorum and its extracts should be considered toxic to the liver. However, the plant is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine and in the Ayurvedic medical system of India for its rejuvenating and toning properties, to increase li…
What Is The Recommended Dosage?
- Fo-ti is used at daily doses of 9 to 15 g of raw herb, but clinical studies are lacking. A standard dose in the Chinese Pharmacopoeiais 3 to 12 g/day.
Side Effects
- Fo-ti is widely used in Chinese medicine; however, adverse event reporting under clinical trial conditions is lacking. Liver toxicity has been documented.
Toxicology
- Because evidence of liver injury in humans exists, consider P. multiflorum and its extracts toxic to the liver. The plant may also be toxic to the kidneys, nerves, and embryos.
Further Information
- Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances. Medical Disclaimer