Fo-Ti Root Powder 100 g, 50 g, 25 g

Fo-Ti Root Powder 100 g ($16.99), 50 g ($10.99), 25 g ($6.99)

Benefits:
Fo-ti can be taken by itself. There are two versions:

• Raw or natural root
• Processed root (boiled in black-bean liquid according to a traditional process)

Fo-ti has been used for centuries in TCM. And while it has many reported uses, many of these are not well-supported by scientific evidence. Much of the evidence surrounding fo-ti is anecdotal.

Although some preliminary laboratory and animal research suggests that fo-ti may have certain beneficial effects, there’s currently a lack of clinical trials to support these findings.

Below is a look at some of the research on fo-ti and its uses.

Anti-Inflammatory  In terms of fo-ti’s chemical structure, the herb has been shown to contain bioactive compounds, including:

• chrysophanic acids like anthrone and chrysophanol
• anthraquinones
• emodin
• rhein
• ecithin
• stilbene glucosides

Both in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that anti-inflammatory effects of fo-ti’s bioactive constituents occur by inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory signaling factors, including nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, nitric oxide synthase and chemokines. Studies published in the aforementioned Pharmacognosy Research review suggest that fo-ti may have effects similar to prescription anti-inflammatory agents that are used to treat conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases and high cholesterol. Additionally, a traditional use of fo-ti is maintaining the strength and stability of the lower back and knees by reducing aches associated with aging and inflammation.

Skin Health  Fo-ti is used in certain skin care and hair products and can be applied directly to the skin to help treat many different ailments, such as acne, sores, carbuncles, skin eruptions, itching, athlete’s foot, dermatitis, razor burn and scrapes. Fo-ti can protect the skin thanks to its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, according to WebMD.

Hair Growth, Reduce Gray Hair  Some use fo-ti to help prevent premature graying of the hair, thinning hair or hair loss. In fact, because it is said to bring color back to graying hair, the Chinese translation of he shou wu is “Mr. He’s Black Hair.” A 2017 study conducted on various animal species that was published in the Journal of Advanced Pharmaceutical Technology & Research found evidence that fo-ti used at safe doses can act as a potential agent for the treatment of early hair graying and other loss pigmentation-related diseases. (4) Fo-ti seems to significantly induce melanin synthesis, having a positive effect on hair pigment.

Constipation  Raw fo-ti root acts as a natural laxative, helping reduce constipation and promote regularity. 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.

Sleep Quality  A large-scale survey done at Taipei Veterans General Hospital’s Center for Traditional Medicine in Taiwan that focused on the use of Chinese herbal medicines found that P. multiflorum was the most commonly prescribed single Chinese herb, especially for the treatment of sleep-related conditions like insomnia. (6) Although P. multiflorum is often used to treat insomnia in clinical practice, no clinical research exists in the West that has verified its sedative or anxiolytic effects.

However, there is some evidence obtained from research conducted by branches of the Bipolar Clinic and Research Program at both Harvard Medical School and Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, Korea, showing that P. multiflorum’s bioactive compounds may have beneficial effects on anxiety and insomnia in patients with bipolar disorder. (7)

Estrogen, Menopause  Due to concerns over using hormone/estrogen replacement therapy, many post-menopausal women are driven to seek alternative sources of estrogen to reduce their symptoms, including herbal remedies. In one study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, estrogen bioactivity was studied among herbs, including red clover, dong quai, black cohosh, soy, licorice, chasteberry, fo-ti and hops. (8)

Soy, clover, licorice root and hops have a large amount of measurable estrogen bioactivity. The researchers also state, “We discovered surprisingly high estrogen activity in extracts of fo-ti not previously reported.” Soy had the most estrogen activity of all the tested herbs, while fo-ti had the second most (more than licorice, hops and red clover). While more studies are needed to confirm how fo-ti may help reduce menopause symptoms, we would expect that it may work in similar ways as soy — which contains high levels of isoflavones, a substance that mimics estrogen. This can be helpful for managing symptoms tied to decreased estrogen like hot flashes, flushing, low sex drive and night sweats.

Longevity  Research has shown that the fo-ti root increases the production of the body’s master antioxidant, superoxide dismutase (SOD). Levels of this important antioxidant decline with age, leaving the body open to damage by one of the most dangerous free radicals – superoxide. Preventing this damage addresses the fundamental cause of aging, damage to the DNA by oxygen-free radicals.

To further boost the antioxidant activity of this root, it also contains the powerful antioxidants stilbene glycosides. Combining these with the increased production of SOD is possibly the most significant function that fo-ti has for enhancing longevity.

Fo-ti has been researched for its potential role in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, both of which are typically diagnosed in the aging population. According to preliminary research, active components in fo-ti are thought to have neuroprotective and antioxidant effects that may help slow the progression of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Other active ingredients in fo-ti are thought to enhance learning and memory. However, these claims only come from animal and lab studies. Human trials need to be performed to confirm the potential role of fo-ti in treating Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.

Age-Related Memory  Studies conducted on mice by researchers at the Department of Scientific Research at Xi’an Jiaotong University College of Medicine’s Hong Hui Hospital in China have found that TSG, one of the anti-inflammatory and bioactive compounds purified from fo-ti root, can help to significantly reduce age-related changes in the hippocampus section of the brain and offer neuroprotection that may help prevent Parkinson’s disease, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. (9)

Some research has also shown that when fo-ti is used with another herb, ginseng, it can be especially helpful for reducing memory loss in older adult, including a study published in the Journal of Nutritional Science and Vitaminology. Results from the study from Providence University’s Department of Food and Nutrition in Taiwan conducted on mice also suggest that dietary supplementation with either ethanol or water fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) extracts can reduce brain pathological changes and promote learning and memory ability. (10)

In TCM and Asian herbalism, He Shou Wu (pronounced huh show woo) is a popular and highly revered tonic herb. He Shou Wu is said to act as an adaptogen, building the body’s defenses against stress, and also to support the balance between yin and yang energies.

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.

The primary essence of fo-ti is called Jing, and it’s said to share many of the same properties as goji berry. While fo-ti is not a stimulant, it’s beneficial for lifting one’s mood and energy. It’s believed to positively affect the central nervous system and to be both energizing and calming at the same time. Historically, it’s also been said to “cleanse the blood,” relieve muscle aches, strengthen the bones and fight bacterial infections.

Heart Health  Fo-ti contains beneficial dietary lectin compounds that have been shown to support healthy cholesterol levels. Lectins are protein-sugar complexes that attach to specific arrangements of carbohydrates in the body, acting like antibodies but without the allergy symptoms. It is through this mechanism that they can block the formation of plaque in blood vessels, preventing or delaying the onset of heart conditions such as heart disease and atherosclerosis.

Cholesterol, Triglycerides  Fo-ti may have antioxidant effects that may benefit people with hyperlipidemia (high blood fat levels). Active ingredients in fo-ti, specifically antioxidants, may decrease low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglyceride levels in the blood. Researchers believe fo-ti could also help increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) or “good cholesterol. As with other potential uses of fo-ti, the research surrounding its use for hyperlipidemia is only preliminary. Human trials should be completed.

Sexual Health  Increased fertility, sexual vigour and the ability to treat erectile dysfunction are other benefits you can expect to receive from fo-ti. Researchers believe these effects are due to the proven ability of this herb to raise red blood cell counts and improve circulation – meaning fo-ti’s power to increase blood flow to “all the right places” could be the key to its success in the bedroom.

In TCM this herb is known as a “Jing” tonic, which loosely translates as “vital essence” and refers to the primordial energy that fuels all life and, by extension, sexuality and drive.

Menopause  A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found “surprisingly high estrogen activity” in fo-ti, suggesting it may alleviate symptoms of menopause.

Hair Health  In Asia, fo-ti is famed for reversing grey hair. It is thought to do this through its ability to restore melanin – the pigment that gives hair and skin its colour. Improved blood circulation and flow to the hair follicles is thought to be responsible for this root’s ability to prevent hair loss.

Inflammation  Some research suggests that fo-ti may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Lab and animal studies have shown its ability to activate specific cell signaling pathways that block inflammation. One study on mice found that it reduced the severity of edema (swelling). A 2022 review identified a compound in fo-ti that has significant anti-inflammatory properties that could help in treating various diseases, including inflammatory diseases. Human trials need to be performed to confirm that fo-ti fights inflammation.

Cancer  Studies suggest that a compound found in fo-ti, called rhein, may suppress certain types of cancer, such as breast, cervical, colon, lung, and ovarian cancer. It is thought that rhein modulates different signaling cascades in cancer cells and can prevent the progression of different types of cancers.

Much more research is needed to establish the protective and therapeutic functions of rhein as an effective anticancer agent.

Botanical Name Polygonum multiflorum
English: Fo-ti Root
Also, known as: Ho Shou Wu, fo ti tieng root, Radix polygoni multiflori, Fleeceflower root, Fallopia multiflora, Fo ti herb, Tuber fleeceflower, Foti root, Ho Shu Wu, Hu Shou Wu, He Sho Wu, and He Shu Wu
Habitat: China
Origin: China
Harvested: Wild or cultivated
Parts Used: Root

General Information:
Polygonum multiflorum is one of the most popular perennial Chinese traditional medicines known as He Shou wu in China and East Asia, and as Fo-ti in North America. In China, its historical legends and the effectiveness of ingredients are widespread and widely known to almost everyone.

The herb belongs to the knotweed family and is usually valued for its reddish-brown bitter roots. Its plant is a perennial twining herb. Roots are long and thin, and the end turns into a corpulent tuber, from red- brown to dark brown. The shoots of the plant have a moist shimmer and resemble the shape of the peach and willow trees. The stem base is slightly woody and hollow Leaves are alternate and with a long handle. The blade is glabrous on sides, narrowly ovate or heart-shaped, 5-10 cm long, 3-6 cm wide, and with acuminate apex, heart-shaped or arrow-shaped base, entire or slightly wavy margin, dark green top surface, and light green lower surface. The fo-ti leaves are bent and grow individually. There’s the distinction between male and female plants within the herb species Numerous small flowers, about 2mm in diameter, cluster into big panicles. Achenes are oval, with three edges, 2-4 mm long, black, shiny, and covered with persistent perianth outside.

Various parts of the plants were utilized for different medicinal purposes. The leaves, root tubers and rhizomes and stem of this plant have been used. The root is the part of the plant that is used for medicinal purposes. Traditionally, at is boiled with black beans to make a preparation known as red fo-ti. The unprocessed root is known as white fo-ti. Red and white fo-ti are used in different ways and have different curing effects. To ensure the high quality medicinally, the preferable harvesting time is after autumn when their stems and leaves are withered or the following spring before they sprout. After digging its tuber, next slash both ends, wash clean, slice, dry in the sun or slightly dry by the fire.

 

How to use:
We make these suggestions to help you get the best benefit from the herbs that you’re choosing to improve your health. Also we make these ideas and recommendations so that consuming them easier and better fit into your lifestyle by adding them to the food that you already eat.
For the full health benefit, it is best to consume (or use the whole herb in poultices) the whole herb. All of the compounds in the herb act best together, as nature intends. Extracts draw out the most prominent beneficial compounds and may concentrate them. What is not extracted can be helpful in ways that we do not yet understand.

Cut Pieces or Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use cut pieces or powdered herb.
Food Preparation: You can add powdered or pieces of herb (if the pieces you buy are bigger than you like, a coffee or herb grinder will quickly reduce) to any yogurt, smoothie, apple or other sauces, spreads, salads or other foods more familiar to you that don’t use heat. Heat can be damaging to the beneficial compounds in the herb. Other options like oatmeal, scrambled eggs, pasta sauce, soup, cookies and anything else that fits your lifestyle, but minimizing (by adding near the end of cooking) the heat is helpful.
Also, for children, you can mix powdered herb with honey or glycerin to make paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help medicine go down. The resulting liquid is called an electuary.
For seeds in general, but especially small seeds, it’s best to grind these to break the protective hulls a short time before consumption. This makes all the benefits available, rather than some remaining locked inside the hulls that are unbroken by insufficient chewing.
To make adding herbs even easier, you could add a week’s worth of your chosen herb(s) to an amount of, for example, yogurt that you would eat in a week. Mix thoroughly and eat this each day of the week. SO you make once /week and just eat each other day.
Hot Infusion: The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. The heat from making tea can degrade some of the beneficial compounds in the herb. This method minimizes this effect. For the full health benefit, it is recommended to consume what is left over after making tea.
Decoctions: Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water, Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes with the pot covered. Squeeze out as much as liquid as possible. Best practice is to drink the liquid and also consume the solid material that remains. Herb pieces can also be used.
Powdered Herb:
There are different ways to use powdered herb.
Capsules: HerbsCrafters makes capsules guaranteed to be filled with the pure herb with no filler or any other products. You can also use powdered herb to make your own capsules at home. These capsules are best taken with liquid to aid in digestion and absorption and to ensure it doesn’t stick in your throat.
Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.
Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

Tips:
You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder or licorice root powder.

Precautions:
You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
All information on this website is for educational purpose ONLY.
This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

How Much To Use
It is common that 10g of a fresh herb = 1g when dehydrated.
Recommended daily amount: 1/2–1 tsp (3–5 g) dried fo-ti root, up to 3 times/day. Use as much as needed.