Fo-Ti Health Benefits, Properties, and Uses

Fo-Ti is a vine that is native to central and southern China and also grows in Japan and Taiwan. It’s also known as Chinese knotweed. Fo-Ti is a perennial vine that grows between 3 and 6 feet long. It has smooth reddish colored stems that branch out and produce leaves. The leaves are arrowhead or oval shaped.^{1 2 3} Fo-Ti was used by ancient Chinese healers as a tonic for improving kidney health, strengthening bones and protecting the skin from damage among other Fo-Ti uses.^{2 4} There have been several research studies indicating many Fo-Ti benefits for health and vitality.²

Fo-Ti Health Uses and Health Benefits

Fo-Ti benefits come from a number of compounds contained in the vine. Important Fo-Ti compounds include stilbene glucosides, anthraquinone glucosides and its derivatives physcion, emodin, and questin. Fo-Ti also contains resveratrol, a polyphenol that acts like an antioxidant.⁴ Because of it’s important compounds, Fo-Ti benefits include:

• Lowering triglycerides³
• Killing free radicals that cause cellular damage that can lead to cancer³
• Enhancing memory and cognitive function³
• Supporting adrenal function²
• Balancing thyroid²
• Increasing estrogen levels²
• Improving cardiovascular health²
• Enhancing sexual drive⁴
• Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease⁴

Fo-Ti uses include helping to treat and prevent the following conditions:

• Depression - Because of Fo-Ti benefits for adrenal support, it is believed to be a helpful remedy in balancing hormones, elevating mood and relieving symptoms of depression.
• High Cholesterol (Hypercholesterolemia) - Traditional Fo-TI uses in Chinese medicine have been as a tonic for helping to lower high cholesterol levels.
• Constipation - Traditional Fo-Ti uses have included constipation relief when taken as a tonic. Fo-Ti is a natural stimulant laxative.
• Erectile Dysfunction - Fo-Ti is considered an herbal remedy for improving vitality and has been used traditionally to enhance sexual performance. This makes Fo-Ti a useful remedy in improving erectile dysfunction.
• Insomnia (Sleep Disorder) - The antioxidant and adrenal health benefits in Fo-Ti can help to improve sleep disorders.

Fo-Ti Side Effects and Precautions

One study showed that Fo-Ti side effects may include having potentially carcinogenic properties.² Other Fo-Ti side effects also include potential liver damage and hepatitis when taken consistently in high doses.⁴ Fo-Ti should not be taken with diabetes medications or conventional laxatives. Fo-TI should not be taken by pregnant or breastfeeding women.³

References

1. http://www.anniesremedy.com/polygonum-multiflorum-fo-ti-root.php
2. http://www.livestrong.com/article/557547-the-health-benefits-of-fo-ti/
3. https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/is-fo-ti-for-you/
4. http://www.raysahelian.com/fo-ti.html