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Fo Ti

Literally translated, He Shou Wu means "lord with black hair", alluding to the rejuvenating and youth-preserving properties of this herbal tonic. Fo-Ti is extracted from the root of Polygonum multi florum and is a very well-known Chinese tonic, which is said to have blood-purifying and energy-boosting properties as well as strengthening properties for hair and teeth. When taken regularly, it is also widely regarded as a potent sexual tonic that promotes sperm production in men and fertility in women. Studies in China have shown that it also lowers high cholesterol levels. Doctors of traditional Chinese medicine prescribe the root to their patients to increase their energy levels, purify the blood and help the liver to detoxify. Fo-Ti contains so-called glycosides, which help with constipation. In clinical studies, Fo-Ti was able to reduce high blood pressure and high cholesterol. As a result, the susceptibility to cardiovascular disease decreases significantly when Fo-Ti is taken regularly.

The extract from Polygolum multiflorum, Fo-Ti in Chinese, is one of the best known and most famous Asian herbal extracts. Millions of people in this part of the world use Fo-Ti every day. Not without reason, as Fo-Ti has gained a reputation over the centuries for maintaining youthfulness and sexual performance. It is considered the tonic for vitality, freshness and energy. In traditional herbalism, this plant is particularly recommended for older people who wish to have a fulfilling sex life again and for men who suffer from impotence.

"Women get firm hair with volume with Fo-Ti. Men stop hair loss with Fo-Ti. Fo-Ti stops hair graying in both sexes." (Source: Encyclopaedia of Chinese medicinal herbs) The color pigments (melanins) are located in the so-called fiber layer of the hair. the hair color of a person is determined by the mixing ratio of the black-brown pigment to the red pigment. The hair is protected by a cuticle layer around the fiber layer. Because this is transparent, the color pigments of the hair shimmer through it. If the scales of this layer stand out, the hair color appears dull, but if they are attached, the color pigments in the fiber layer shine powerfully through the scales. The production of melanin decreases over the years. To maintain melanin production, the roots of the Fo-Ti plant are traditionally consumed in China.

Safety and side effects

Fo-Ti may not be safe and harmless when taken orally due to concerns that it may cause liver damage in adults and children. Fo-Ti has been associated with liver damage in several reports including one case in a five-year-old child. There is not enough information to say whether Fo-Ti applied directly to the skin is safe and harmless.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Fo-Ti may not be safe for oral use during pregnancy. Fo-Ti contains chemicals that can act as a powerful laxative. These chemicals work by stimulating the bowels. Bulking laxatives are a better choice during pregnancy. It may also not be safe and harmless to use Fo-Ti while breastfeeding. The chemicals it contains, which have a laxative effect, can pass into breast milk and cause diarrhea in some breastfed infants. Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of Fo-Ti applied to the skin during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is best for pregnant and breastfeeding women to avoid Fo-Ti.

Liver disorders: Fo-Ti has been linked to several cases of liver problems including hepatitis. There are concerns that Fo-Ti may exacerbate existing liver conditions.

Surgeries: Fo-Ti could affect blood sugar levels. There are concerns that this could affect the control of blood sugar levels during and after surgery. For this reason, the use of Fo-Ti should be stopped 2 weeks before upcoming operations.

Interactions

Care should be taken when combining Fo-Ti with the following medications:

Medications that are broken down by the liver (cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates, cytochrome P450 2C19 (CYP2C19) substrates, cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates, and cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates).

Some drugs are broken down by the liver. Fo-Ti can slow down the rate at which the liver breaks down certain drugs. Taking Fo-Ti in conjunction with drugs that are broken down by the liver can increase the side effects of some drugs. For this reason, you should consult your doctor before taking Fo-Ti if you are taking medication that is broken down by the liver.

Diabetes medication

Fo-Ti could lower blood sugar. Diabetes medication is also used to lower blood sugar levels. Taking Fo-Ti in combination with diabetes medication could result in an excessive drop in blood sugar levels. For this reason, blood glucose levels should be carefully monitored. It is possible that the dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.

Medication that can damage the liver

Fo-Ti can damage the liver. The use of Fo-Ti in combination with medications that can also damage the liver can increase the risk of liver damage. For this reason, Fo-Ti should not be used if you are taking medication that can damage the liver.

Stimulant laxatives

Fo-Ti is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Laxatives speed up the passage of food through the intestines. Taking Fo-Ti in combination with other stimulant laxatives could increase the passage of food through the intestines too much and result in dehydration and low mineral levels in the body.

Diuretics

Fo-Ti is a laxative. Some laxatives can lower potassium levels in the body. Diuretics can also lower potassium levels, which means that combining Fo-Ti with diuretics could lower potassium levels in the body too much.

References

  1. Foster S, Yue CX. Herbal Emissaries: Bringing Chinese Herbs to the West. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press, 1992, 79-85.
  2. Foster S. Herbal Renaissance. Layton, Utah: Gibbs-Smith Publishers, 1993, 40-1.
  3. Oerter Klein K, Janfaza M, Wong JA, Chang RJ. Estrogen bioactivity in Fo-Ti and other herbs used for their estrogen-like effects as determined by a recombinant cell bioassay. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2003 Sep;88(9):4075-6.