What is Fo-ti?

Fo-ti is a plant native to China and other areas throughout Asia. It is also known by the names Chinese Knotweed, Climbing Knotweed, Flowery Knotweed, He-Shou-Wu, and Kashuu. He-Shou-Wu is the common name in China, the name which refers to an old legend of a man restoring his black hair, vitality, and youthful appearance after taking the root.  The root of the Fo-ti plant is used commonly in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is often boiled in a black bean mixture, and in this processed form is called red Fo-ti. The unprocessed root is known as white Fo-ti.

Traditional Uses of Fo-ti

In Traditional Chinese Medicine the processed and unprocessed forms of the Fo-ti root are considered two different herbs. Unprocessed or white Fo-ti is used to relax the bowel and relieve constipation.  Processed or red Fo-ti is used to strengthen the blood, revitalize the liver and kidneys, and improve energy or Chi within the body.  It is also believed to help cure premature gray hair, premature aging, weakness, angina pectoris or chest pain, back pain, and erectile dysfunction.

Fo-ti Today

Scientists have found that processed or red Fo-ti contains protein- sugar complexes known as lectins. Lectins bind to carbohydrate strands in the body and act like antibodies. This helps prevent the growth of bad bacteria in the body. In animal studies the lectins in red Fo-ti also appeared to help lower cholesterol, prevent fat from building up in the liver and blood, reduce the accumulation of plaque in the walls of arteries. The animals used in these studies also experienced an increase in red blood cell production and their ability to adjust body temperature and adapt to cold weather. Red Fo-ti has also shown some anti-tumor and anti-oxidant effects and boosts immunity. Unprocessed or white Fo-ti has been found to have a laxative effect.

While there have been no conclusive studies preformed on the effects of Fo-ti in humans, only in animal subjects, the roots of Fo-ti in both forms continue to be used throughout China and other parts of the world to attain these great benefits. The Chinese also use Fo-ti to promote fertility, increase blood sugar, relieve muscle aches and pains, and they have found that the root can be effective against diseases like malaria.

Side Effects of Fo-ti

Little is known about the potential side effects that Fo-ti can have. The unprocessed white Fo-ti can cause diarrhea and abdominal pain or cramping. There is also little known about the toxicity of the root but white Fo-ti is considered to be potentially more toxic then processed red Fo-ti.

Conclusion

Although there is no conclusive evidence to support the claims made about the efficacy of Fo-ti in humans, the animal studies have had great results. Fo-ti can be found throughout the US in whole root, sliced root, root powder, capsules, tablets, and tinctures. Many of the products available here contain the cheaper unprocessed white Fo-ti, but most of the benefits are attributed to red Fo-ti.