Fo Ti Benefits for Health, Athletes, Aging & Skin

Information on Fo Ti’s benefits mainly comes from traditional Chinese medicine. Although it has long been used as a medicinal plant throughout Asia, few clinical studies have focused on the possible therapeutic benefits of Fo Ti.

Fo Ti (Polygonum multiflorum) is also known by its Chinese name he shou wu. It is a vine native to China, Vietnam, Korea and Taiwan and comes from the botanical family Polygonaceae.

Fo Ti use has been adopted in the United States because of the plant’s long history of use in treating male infertility, erectile dysfunction and premature aging.

In traditional Chinese medicine it is considered a rejuvenating tonic and is thought to help center the body’s qi or vital force. It is believed to have anti-aging effects and has been called “The Cure to Old Age” by some natural medicine practitioners.

Fo Ti (He Shou Wu)

Herbal Supplement

Anti- Aging

Sex Drive

Blood Tonic

How It Works:

• Anti-aging herb used in Chinese medicine
• Stimulates the libido & adrenal function
• Exhibits antioxidant & neuroprotective effects

Dosage:

Between 500 - 1000 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Unsafe

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Fo Ti Benefits

Today, Fo Ti is also favored by bodybuilders and other athletes to help improve blood circulation and endurance.

Although there is growing interest in Fo Ti, comparatively little scientific research has been conducted on the plant relative to other traditional herbs.

Fo Ti continues to be studied for its potential therapeutic uses, but there is not enough clinical evidence to endorse its use as a treatment for any particular condition.

In traditional Chinese medicine Fo Ti is used to stimulate general well-being, calmness and vitality. It is considered a rejuvenating tonic and general blood elixir, helping alleviate conditions associated with “blood deficiency”, such as dizziness, weakness and blurred vision.

In contemporary scientific studies, Fo Ti and its constituents have been observed to reduce LDL cholesterol, triglycerides and total cholesterol levels. It has likewise been shown to elevate HDL cholesterol levels, which may help support cardiovascular health. It is unknown whether or not these effects will take place in the human body.

Effects of Fo Ti Supplements

Fo Ti contains a number of phytonutrients (plant nutrients) that may play a role in its medicinal uses. Lectins are complex molecules comprised of sugars and proteins. They produce antibody-like effects by binding to cells that have a special carbohydrate arrangement.

Lectins are also known to affect blood-lipid levels and reduce risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease. They help inhibit the formation of fatty deposits on the inside of blood vessels (arterial plaque), which decreases the risk of developing heart disease.

Lectins in Fo Ti may also promote liver and kidney health by inhibiting the build-up of fat on the liver.

Fo Ti for “Blood Balancing”

For more than a thousand years, Fo Ti has been used in traditional practice as an energy enhancer and general blood tonic.

It is believed to help stabilize blood pH, reduce the buildup of fatty acids in the circulatory system and reduce inflammation of the lymphatic system. It has been used to treat eczema, goiter, carbuncles, sores, greying hair, scrofula, rashes and numerous blood disorders.

It is also believed to support the development of high-quality red blood cells, and to decrease the onset of arterial hardening. Further, it has demonstrated strong antibacterial properties.

Despite its many uses, there is not enough scientific evidence to attribute any therapeutic properties to Fo Ti.

Fo Ti Mechanisms and Scientific Investigation

Scientific investigation of he shou wu is ongoing. Future research projects may examine Fo Ti’s capacity to:

• Prevent and treat tuberculosis that enters the lymphatic system;
• Treat prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland);
• Alleviate constipation;
• Support kidney and liver health;
• Act against the formation and progression of cancer cells;
• Tone the blood and balance blood pH levels;
• Strengthen the ligaments, tendons, bones and muscles;
• Alleviate insomnia;
• Diminish limb numbness;
• Treat weakness and/or soreness of the lower back and/or knees;
• Alleviate ringing in the ears (tinnitus) and/or dizziness;
• Reverse premature hair graying and hair loss.

Possible Drug Interactions

He shou wu is known to affect the breakdown of pharmaceuticals by the liver. This change in drug metabolism may diminish the effects of some drugs as well as strengthen or weaken possible side effects.

There is a long list of pharmaceuticals that may interact with Fo Ti. It is very important to speak with a doctor before beginning Fo Ti supplementation, especially if you are taking prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Reported Side Effects

Anecdotally, Fo Ti has been used by millions of people and is not associated with severe side effects. However, raw or unprocessed Fo Ti can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms of gastrointestinal upset. Additionally, in scientific studies it has been associated with cases of liver damage.

In sum, outside of the long history of use, there is not enough scientific evidence to understand the possible side effects of Fo Ti. Pregnant or nursing women should avoid supplementation with this herb. It is crucial to speak with your doctor before beginning to take Fo Ti for health benefits.

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