Fo-Ti • (Polygonum multiflorum)
“Reduces deterioration of aging, primarily for men but with women’s uses; must be taken for at least three months for effects to become evident; also called he shou wu or fo-ti shou wu in traditional Chinese medicine; restores vitality, strength, sexual potency, hair growth, and hair color, prevents and treats senility, dizziness, tinnitus, constipation, joint pain, backache; promotes long life and healthy aging; nourishes the liver, kidneys, nervous system, bone marrow, blood circulation; strengthens muscles and bones, tendons and ligaments, brain function, memory, and learning; reduces total and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides; prevents arterial plaque, aids angina, prevents blood clots, increases circulation to the extremities, reduces fat in the liver, stimulates red blood cell production, prevents and heals infections, increases resistance to dis-ease; immune enhancer; normalizes estrogen levels in women, treats menopausal symptoms and vaginitis, and balances the endocrine system; use externally for skin dis-eases, rashes, wounds, acne, athlete’s foot, abrasions, dermatitis, and bruises. Antioxidant, antifungal, antibacterial, immune booster. Side effects include cramps, nausea, skin rash, diarrhea, low potassium level; not for use in pregnancy or nursing; can worsen inflammatory bowel dis-eases and liver dis-ease; not for use with diuretics or laxatives.”
Excerpt From
Healing Herbs A to Z
Diane Stein
