The Chinese common name for fo-ti, he-shou-wu, was the name of a Tang dynasty man whose infertility was supposedly cured by fo-ti; in addition, his long life was attributed to the tonic properties of this herb. Since then, traditional Chinese medicine has used fo-ti to treat premature aging, weakness, vaginal discharges, numerous infectious diseases, angina pectoris, and impotence.
Chung Yun, a famous Chinese herbalist who reportedly lived to be 256 years old, used Fo-Ti on a daily basis. 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).
Fo-ti has a history of reversing and preventing the effects of aging, through a story of a Chinese farmer "Black haired Mr. He". This story gave the herb it's name, Hu shou wu meaning "Black haired Mr. He".
Uses: The reddish brown tuberous root grows to enormous proportions, used as a longevity and sexual tonic for men and to help build blood. Tonic, laxative, antispasmodic, antibacterial used in China to treat dizziness tetanus, cramps, prematurely gray hair, and to increase mental clarity. See anti-aging products. Roots are used to restore blood, liver and kidneys, and is precribed for conditions as varied as vertigo, insomnia, lumbago and constipation. Recent evidence shows it to be effective against high blood pressure and hardening of the arteries and veins.
A laxative effect is probably the only real action of he shou wu, at least as far as is presently known. Other species of Polygonum do contain leucoanthocyanidins that possess anti-inflammatory activity, decrease blood coagulability, and have various cardiovascular effects. It is possible that some of these compounds may eventually be discovered in he shou wu. Until then, the drug must be categorized simply as a laxative with various undetermined side effects.
Traditional Chinese herbalists place great emphasis on the shape & age of the roots, with the older roots being in greater demand.
The unprocessed root is sometimes used. However, once it has been boiled in a special liquid made from black beans, it is considered a superior and rather different medicine according to traditional Chinese medicine.
The unprocessed root is sometimes called "White Fo-Ti", and the processed root is "Red Fo-Ti".
Modern research indicates that this herb contains an alkaloid that has rejuvenating effects on the nerves, brain cells and endocrine glands. It stimulates a portion of the adrenal gland and helps to detoxify the body. Hair health, energy and sexual vigor are the products of this rejuvenation.
