Fo-ti
Common Name He Shou Wu,Chinese Knotweed,Climbing Knotweed
Family Name Polygonaceae
Parts Used Root，Tuber，Leaves，Stems
Herbal Actions Tonifying, Anti-aging, Detoxifying, Hair-restorative, Blood-tonic
Health Benefits Detoxification, Hair Health, Longevity
What are the Benefits of Fo-ti?
Bright, deep-brown Fo-ti roots have been esteemed for centuries in Asia and in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a rejuvenating tonic for the liver, kidneys, blood, and for anti-aging purposes.* Energetically, this herb is considered to promote longevity and vitality, being sweet and slightly bitter in taste, and warm in application. It’s a pivotal herb in TCM, often utilized to improve hair health, enhance vitality, and support healthy aging. Rich in antioxidants, such as stilbene glycosides, this root supports overall wellness by helping to cleanse the body and strengthen its systems.* Known as a powerful health booster, Fo-ti also contains essential nutrients like zinc, iron, and various anthraquinones, contributing to its status not just in herbal decoctions but also integrated into everyday Chinese dietary practices such as teas, soups, and tonics.
Historical Use of Fo-ti
Fo-ti, also revered in Traditional Chinese Medicine, holds a significant place among ancient Chinese communities. The Han Dynasty texts extol Fo-ti as a root of longevity and spiritual essence, frequently used by Daoist monks in rituals aimed at achieving immortality. According to the "Compendium of Materia Medica" by Li Shizhen, a monumental pharmacopeia of the Ming Dynasty, Fo-ti is esteemed not just for its health benefits but as a symbol of spiritual vitality and balance. It was commonly incorporated into longevity practices, believed to harmonize the essence of the body with the spirit. The root was also used in various traditional preparations, from simple teas to complex elixirs, often blended with other herbs to enhance its properties. This historical usage underscores Fo-ti's role not only in physical wellness but also in cultural and spiritual health, echoing its importance in holistic healing and traditional ceremonies.
Botanical Description & Habitat
Fo-ti, scientifically known as Polygonum multiflorum, is a perennial vine from the Polygonaceae family. The plant features heart-shaped leaves and slender stems that can either trail or climb, depending on the surrounding environment. It produces small, white to pinkish flowers during the summer, followed by fruits that mature into small, hard nuts enclosed in a wing-like calyx.
The root system of Fo-ti is particularly robust and is the primary medicinal part of the plant. The roots can be very thick and woody, often resembling twisted cords, and are usually brownish-red on the outside and lighter inside when cut open.
Fo-ti is native to central and southern China and is also found in parts of Japan and Taiwan. It thrives in mountainous regions, preferring shaded or semi-shaded areas with moist, well-drained soil. The plant is quite hardy and can be grown in a variety of soil types, though it does best in slightly acidic to neutral soils.
The vine is commonly cultivated both for its medicinal properties and as an ornamental plant, often seen covering walls or trellises in gardens. Its ability to adapt to different environments allows it to be grown in many regions outside its native habitat, though it requires protection from harsh winters.