Fo-Ti is one of the most widely used Chinese tonic herbs. Fo-Ti Root is wellrecognized as a rejuvenating and longevity tonic in China, where it's consumedroutinely by those concerned with youthful strength and vigor. There is alsoevidence that Fo-Ti offers natural nutritional support for healthy cholesterollevels.

Official Latin Name: Polygonum multiflorum
Fo-Ti is a plant native toChina where it continues to be widely grown. Fo-Ti is also grown extensively inJapan and Taiwan. Traditional Chinese herbalists place great emphasis on theshape & age of the roots, with the older roots being in greater demand. Theunprocessed root is sometimes used. However, once it has been boiled in aspecial liquid made from black beans, it is considered a superior and ratherdifferent medicine according to traditional Chinese medicine. The unprocessedroot is sometimes called "White Fo-Ti", and the processed root is "Red Fo-Ti".The Chinese common name for Fo-Ti, he-shou-wu, was the name of a Tang dynastyman whose infertility was supposedly cured by Fo-Ti; in addition, his long lifewas attributed to the tonic properties of this herb. Since then, traditionalChinese medicine uses Fo-Ti to treat premature aging, weakness, vaginaldischarges, numerous infectious diseases, angina pectoris, and impotence. All ofthe active constituents of Fo-Ti have yet to be determined. Fo-Ti does contain anumber of glycosides that account for the herbs use as a remedy for stomachdisorders and constipation. Researchers suspect that the roots may containcompounds with mild cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory effects. The whole roothas been shown to lower cholesterol levels, according to animal and humanresearch, as well as to decrease hardening of the arteries, or arteriosclerosis.Other Fo-Ti research has investigated this herb's role in strong immunefunction, red blood cell formation, and antibacterial action. The unprocessedroots possess a mild laxative effect.