Ho-shou-wu (pinyin: heshouwu) is derived from the roots of Polygonum multiflorum. Fo-ti is the dried or cured root of a twining vine in the knotweed family. Fo Ti is occasionally grown in American gardens as an ornamental. The name Fo Ti was given to the plant by a marketer in the early 1970s for the American herb business. In China, it is known as he-shou-wu.

The processed (cured) root of the plant is used to make medicine.

Fo-ti is used for treating tuberculosis that has spread to the lymph nodes, cancer, inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), and constipation. It is also used as a liver and kidney “tonic”; as a blood and “vital essence” toner; and to fortify muscles, tendons, and bones. Fo-ti is also used for high cholesterol and other elevated blood fats, trouble sleeping (insomnia), limb numbness, lower back and knee soreness or weakness, premature graying, hair loss, and dizziness with ringing in the ears (tinnitus).

Fo-ti is applied directly to the skin for sores, carbuncles, skin eruptions, and itching.

The herb has been shown in animal studies to have cognitive enhancement potential and to also help with keeping healthy arteries.

How does it work?
Fo-ti cured root might affect the levels of various chemicals in the body which have been suggested to have anti-aging effects.

In manufacturing, fo-ti extract is used as an ingredient in hair and skin care products. Don’t confuse fo-ti with the commercial product Fo-ti-Teng that contains no fo-ti.

Composition
This herb has many substances including anthraquinones, polydatin, and resveratrol, chrysophanol, physcion, emodin, aloeemodin, rhein, physcion, tetrahydroxy-stibene, noreugenin, apigenin, daucosterol, beta-sitosterol, stearic acid. Anthraquinones, physcion, emodin, and questin inhibit the enzymatic activity of Cdc25B phosphatase. This herb has stilbenoids. Tetrahydroxystilbene-glucoside is one of, or the major, active ingredient of the her

In Chinese medicine, fo-ti is a longevity tonic that is used for greying hair, premature aging, weakness, vaginal discharge, and erectile dysfunction. Red fo-ti is considered a tonic to increase vitality and energy, strengthen the blood, kidneys and liver.

There is evidence that fo-ti can lower serum cholesterol, decrease hardening of the arteries, and improve immune function.

• Atherosclerosis
• Constipation
• Fatigue
• High cholesterol
• Insomnia
• Immune function
• Erectile dysfunction
• Parkinson's disease
• Alzheimer's disease

Our processed root has dark reddish brown color and is the preferred type by those wanting to use the herb as a tonic to promote longevity.

Preparations:
 Decoction: To prepare tea, boil ½ – 1 teaspoon of root in a cup of water (250 ml) for 10 minutes. Drink at least 3 cups daily.
 Tincture: Take 15-30 drops 3 times daily.
 Fluid extract: Take 5-20 drops 3 times daily.
 Tablet: 500 mg 3 times each daily.

Caution:
Fo-ti is considered safe when taken in proper amounts, but excess intake can cause numbness in the extremities or an allergic reaction in the form of a rash.
Fo-ti has estrogenic properties; people with any kind of reproductive cancer should consult medical advice and use extreme caution.

Botanical Name: Polygonum multiflorum
aka: Chinese Cornbind, Chinese Knotweed, Climbing Knotweed, Flowery Knotweed, Fo Ti Tieng, Fo-Ti-Tient, He Shou Wu, Ho Shou Wu, Multiflora Preparata, Poligonum, Poligonum Multiflorum, Polygonum, Polygonum multiflorum, Polygonum Multiflorum Thunberg, Racine de Renouée Multiflore, Radix Polygoni Multiflori, Radix Polygoni Shen Min, Renouée, Renouée à Fleurs Nombreuses, Renouée de Chine, Renouée Multiflore, Rhizoma Polygonata, Shen Min, Shou Wu, Shou Wu Pian, Tuber Fleeceflower, Zhihe Shou Wu, Zi Shou Wu.
Origin: China
Notes: Kosher Certified. Non-irradiated. Fo-Ti root is cured in a black bean solution during processing.
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
* FDA Disclaimer

Reference
webmd
fotiheshouwu.com
altmedicine.about.com
healthandbeautypages.com