Foti (Fo-Ti) Root 12:1 Powdered Extract (Polygonum Multiflorum; He Shou Wu) 1 kg (2.2 lbs): Q
Used as a tea or decoction. He Shou Wu is considered to be one of the most important of the Chinese herbal tonics and is widely used in that country. It is said to restore vitality and virility, working especially on the liver and the reproductive, urinary and circulatory systems. Some care should be exercised, however, since excessive doses can cause skin rash and numbness of the extremities. The roots and stems are antibacterial, anticholesterolemic, antispasmodic, astringent, cardiotonic, demulcent, depurative, hypoglycaemic, laxative, sedative, tonic. The roots are taken internally in the treatment of menstrual and menopausal complaints, constipation in the elderly, swollen lymph glands and high cholesterol levels. They are very effective in reducing high cholesterol levels in the blood and increase blood sugar levels. Externally, they are used to treat ringworm, bleeding wounds and sores. The leaves and roots tonify the liver and kidneys, fortify the blood, strengthen the muscles and prevent premature greying of the hair. The stem is deobstruent and sedative. It is taken internally in the treatment of insomnia and neurasthenia whilst it is applied externally to ringworm. The stems are harvested in late summer or early autumn and are dried for later use. Extracts of the plant have shown antipyretic, antitumour, hypoglycaemic and sedative activity. Fo-ti use is ancient in China, especially as a tonic and restorative for the elderly. It is identified as a Qi tonic, that is, an herb that benefits the immune system and has hormonal effects. It is a traditonal treatment for poor sleep. The herb is regarded as a slow-acting sedative, that is, a systemic sedative the benefits of which are felt over a period of months. Fo-ti is rich in phospholipids (such as lecithin), anthraquinones (rhein, emodin and chysophanol), tannins, and tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside. Animal and test tube research has confirmed traditional Chinese usages, showing Fo-Ti to lower blood fat, increase red blood cell production, fight bacteria, stimulate immune functions and have a mild laxative effect. Oklahoma State University was assigned a U.S. patent (Patent 5,531,991 issued July 2, 1996) for an extract of Polygonum multiflorum designed to treat hyperglycemia. The extract was developed by Professors Nan-Zheng Cheng and Barbara Stoecker. Three fractions of extracts were shown to potentiate insulin activity in fat cell assays and lower blood glucose levels in animal studies.
