Fo-ti
What is Fo-ti?
Fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum), also known as He-shou-wu, is one of the most widely praised herbs in Chinese herbal medicine, often thought to be second only to Ginseng in reputation and used together with it on alternating basis.
Fo-ti is highly prized for its rejuvenating and anti-aging actions, and its medicinal use dates back to 973 A.D.
The Chinese common name for Fo-Ti is "He-Shou-Wu," and its history is rich in legend:
It is believed that in the Chinese Tang Dynasty was a man called He Shou Wu (what means "the black-haired Mr. He"), who'd been desperate to become a father, but as he already celebrated his 58th birthday, the chances for his dream to come true were understandably low. But as one day he was advised by a sage to take Fo-ti, everything has changed. He became a proud parent of several children and lived till 160 years, while his children lived to be 130. But this isn’t all - Fo-ti had a pleasant side effect. The hair of Mr. He turned from grey to black and remained black till his last breath!
So in line with this lovely legend, Fo-ti has been historically considered a miracle tonic able to turn back the clock and cure infertility.
This has been further proven by recent studies, which found that Fo-ti contains an alkaloid which has rejuvenating actionon the nerves, brain cells and endocrine glands.
What is Fo-ti used for?
Fo-ti is a tonic able to boost vitality and improve the quality of life, while its antioxidant powers rejuvenating and restoring every atom of your being.
Working from head to toes, Fo-ti detoxifies your body and purifies it, so you can enjoy younger appearance together with sparkling life energy, motivation and enthusiasm.
This wonderful herb can give you strong immunity, dynamism and vivacity, physical strength and mental powers.
In the traditional Chinese medicine, Fo-ti is considered to be nourishment for the heart and breath of calm for the mind. Interestingly, it is believed to be able not only to protect the heart as a physical organ, but also to unblock the energy channels of the heart, making a pathway for the release of generalized soreness, weakness, pain and fatigue. If your heart is "broken" in any way, do consider mending it with Fo-ti!
These properties of Fo-ti make it valuable complementary medicine for the depression and anxiety. One more traditional indication for this herbal remedy is insomnia with nightmares.
Fo-ti also can invigorate the whole endocrine system, including all-important adrenals.
Acting as a liver tonic, Fo-ti can increase metabolic rate and purify the blood, eliminating fatty deposits and toxic elements.
There is some evidence that this herb can be beneficial for the prevention and therapy of atherosclerosis, helping keep healthy cholesterol levels and make red blood cells.
Fo-Ti supplementation may prove effective to women suffering menopausal symptoms due to its ability to help regulateestrogen profile.
Fo-Ti is is loved by sportsmen for its ability to build up stamina and endurance and is suggested to shorten recovery time after a workout.
Fo-ti is also considered to be a digestive aid, to protect against cancer and heart disease and to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.
And of course, as the legend suggests, Fo-ti can prevent premature hair greying!
Because of its anti-bacterial and anti-fungal effects, this herb can treat various skin problems, like burns, scrapes, dermatitis, acne and etc., being applied topically.
For some people it also works as a “sex herb”, boosting libido and sexual powers!
How does Fo-ti work?
As every herb, Fo-ti has diverse compounds. But its anti-aging effects are usually attributed to the action of glycosides similar to reservatol, a compound believed to be able to extend the lifespan by a variety of mechanisms.
Availability and dosage
Take 2 to 4 grams up to 2 times each day
Side effects and precautions:
Used excessively, Fo-ti may cause gastro-intestinal problems.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is given for educational purposes only. Thorough health assessment done by a health care professional is necessary before deciding to take any of the supplements mentioned.
|
