Fo Ti Tieng/He Shou Wu (Cured) (Polygonum multiflorum) – Dried Herb, Cut & Sifted

Native to China, Japan and Tawian Fo Ti is a perennial climbing vine with red stems, heart shaped leaves, a woody tuber and either white or pink flowers. Fo Ti is part of the Polygonaceae family, also known as the Buckwheat family and informally know as the Knotweed family consisting of mostly herbs and vines. Fo Ti, Polygonum multiflorum, is referred to as He Shou Wu in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and is known as climbing Chinese Knotweed.

The literal English translation of Fo-Ti is “vine to pass through the night”. Whereas, the Chinese nickname for the herb He Shou Wu, literally means “the black-haired Mr. He”. In a Chinese legend, Mr. He restored his youth and sexual potency by drinking Fo Ti tea.

Chinese herbalists use Fo Ti as an energy and slightly warming tonic for the body to increase levels of blood and vital essence or Qi and Jing essence. Furthermore, this herb helps allow the escape of the pathogenic influences that may cause generalized weakness, soreness and fatigue. Fo Ti root is traditionally used in TCM to nourish the heart, calm the spirit and support the kidneys and liver.

He Shou Wu is a good source of iron, potent antioxidants and zinc. TCM teaches that when Fo Ti is processed with black beans it becomes easier to digest because the combination increases phosphates (presumably lecithin) by up to 30%.

Properties:

The taste and energetics of Fo Ti are slightly bitter, sweet, warming and astringent. Fo Ti has an affinity towards the liver, kidneys, endocrine system, reproductive system, nervous system, immune system, heart, blood, musculoskeletal system, skin and hair.

To support the endocrine system and nervous system combine Fo Ti with Siberian Ginseng, Oat Seed or Gotu Kola. For support of the kidneys combine Fo Ti with Astragalus Root, Schizandra Berries and Cordyceps Mushroom.

How to use:

1 teaspoon of Fo Ti Root to one cup of boiling water. Simmer for 30 minutes, strain and drink up to three cups a day.

Cautions & contraindications:

He Shou Wu is also thought to mimic estrogen in the body. This means you should be cautious about taking this herb if you have or have had a health condition linked to this hormone, such as estrogen-related breast cancer.

Excessive use may cause gastrointestinal upset and diarrhea.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or illness. Please consult your health care provider prior to the use of this product if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications or have a medical condition. Individual results may vary.