FO-TI (HO SHOU WO)
(Polygonum multiflorum)


--Fo-Ti is a Chinese herb used to tonify the chi. Fo-Ti is derived from the dried roots of a Japanese evergreen called Polygonum multiflorum. In China, where it is called Ho shou wu, Fo-Ti is said to possess almost magical rejuvenating properties and it is especially popular with the elderly who believe it can help one maintain hair color, preserve youthfulness, and restore fertility


--t is one of the most widely praised herbs in Chinese herbal medicine, some claiming that it is second only to Ginseng in reputation and use.
In China, Fo-Ti has a long history of reversing and preventing the effects of ageing as a bittersweet, astringent, slightly warming herb that was first recorded in an "herbal" written in 973 A.D., as a key remedy for the elderly. The Chinese common name for Fo-Ti is "He-Shou-Wu," and its history is rich in legend.


Part used: root.
Properties: Stimulant, tonic, astringent, diuretic.
What it affects: liver, stomach, kidneys, and reproductive organs.


Preparation and amount: 
Decoction: simmer 5-15 min and take 2 oz. 2-4 x a day
Tincture: drink 15-30 drops 3 x a day
Fluid extract: drink 5-20 drops 3 x a day
Powder: take 2-3 #0 capsules (10-15 grains) 3 x a day.


Purposes:
Internally, fo-ti focuses on helping the endocrine glands by strengthening them. It acts as a tonic and nutritive herb. It is also a digestive tonic. Take it either as a decoction or as a powder


The roots of ho-shou-wu are reddish brown. The taste is starchy, astringent and slightly bitter. The highest quality roots are those that have a high density and firm quality. In Hong Kong, the highest quality roots are sliced very thin and packaged carefully to display the color, shape, and luster of the slices; the ordinary quality roots are sliced thicker and sold in bulk packages.