He Shou Wu, or Fo ti
Root, is a premier yin tonic and anti-aging herbal remedy that can be
consumed daily to increase your chances of a long healthy life. It is a
soothing, tonic herb that has been used for centuries in China to
rejuvenate the body, combat premature aging, counteract fatigue and
exhaustion, and to promote longevity. It is used to tones the liver and
kidney meridians. It will increase your energy levels, however, it is
not a stimulant. It stands out among the top fertility herbs for
building sexual staying power for both men and women. Fo-ti root is
believed to improve memory, promote better sleep, aid in weight loss,
enhance the libido, decrease fatigue and weakness, reduce the risk of
cardiovascular disease. Fo-ti root has been shown to reduce lipofuscin
content specifically in heart tissue, but it may also reduce the overall
content in the body and perhaps prevent the formation of liver spots on
the skin. The herbal extract contains an alkaloid that has rejuvenating
effects on the nerves, brain cells and endocrine glands. It stimulates a
portion of the adrenal gland and helps to detoxify the body. Fo-ti root
extracts have been used for a long list of ailments including
atherosclerosis, constipation, fatigue, high cholesterol, high blood
pressure, blood deficiency, nerve damage, scrofula, eczema and
inflammation of the lymph nodes.
Fo-ti contains compounds that are known to enhance energy by
boosting testosteronEe levels and is also a relaxant that helps relieve
anxiety and stress. This herb has been used traditionally to increase
essence and blood. He shou wou is believed to increase fertility, sexual
vigor and treat ED. Research has shown that these effects may be due to
Fo ti's proven ability to raise red blood cell counts, lower
cholesterol levels that can cause hypertension, and increases blood flow
to "all the right places".
Science has confirmed what Chinese herbalists first observed in
this potent herbal adaptogen. He Shou Wu is higher in iron than both
Dang Gi and Goji Berry. Iron is necessary for the body to make red blood
cells for the blood. He Shou Wu is also very rich in lecithin which is
suspected as the cause of its ability to strengthen the membranes of red
blood cells. Lecithin also makes p nerve tissue and thirty percent of
the dry weight of the brain. This may explain its use for improving
memory and nerve function.
The lecithin content also helps lower high cholesterol. This
component in the root is known to diminish arterial plaque, thus helping
to reduce hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis). Fo ti
root tincture acts as a heart tonic and can also help boost the immune
function. Another action that is spoken about in Chinese herbalism is
its blood building qualities. It has been used to increase blood
circulation, which may also lessen the risk of strokes and cardiac
problems.
Fo ti
is extremely rich in zinc and the use of the herb may help to prevent
this kind of deficiency. In fact, the herb is on par with oysters in
this valuable mineral. A common quality of those who live to be
centenarians (90 yrs+) is that they rarely exhibit zinc deficiencies.
Zinc is also a critical component in the body's response to inflammation
caused by free radicals in the body. Stilbene glycosides are powerful
antioxidants found in this adaptogenic herb. These combined with
increased production of superoxide dismutase makes Fo ti
root better than any antioxidant supplement on the market, plus it is
more absorbable since it is a whole food. This action is likely the most
significant function of Fo-ti root tinctures for enhancing longevity.
Superoxide dismutase is a critical antioxidant enzyme that your
body makes as a defense against superoxide. Superoxide is a dangerous
free radical that can occur in the body and superoxide dismutase is the
body's solution to its presence. When left to do its thing, Superoxide
will damage any type of tissue, but most notably has the ability to
damage your DNA. Superoxide dismutase is the king of antioxidants, even
over resveratrol) since it can prevent the damage to DNA which is the
fundamental cause of all aging.
The liver helps clean the blood, and in experiments, Fo ti
root extracts have been shown to reduce the buildup of hepatic (liver)
fat. Lipid peroxidation can occur from the cell membranes having
electrons stolen from them by free radicals. He Shou Wu has been shown
to prevent this action and keep the liver functioning at optimal
capacity, by cleansing the blood of toxins. Liver spots are caused by a
brown pigment called lipofuscin collecting in a patch of skin. It is
composed of oxidized lipid-containing residues of cellular waste and
metals like iron and aluminum. Fo-ti root has been found to reduce
lipofuscin content and prevent the formation of these spots on the skin.
There are claims that Fo ti
reduces blood sugar. In a 1991 study, researchers claimed that one of
Fo ti's active principles, Emodin, served as an effective
immunosuppressive agent in human cells and speculated that the herb may
be useful against transplant rejection and autoimmune disease.
The Chinese knotweed plant, He Shou Wu, is noted for its anti-aging
properties and immune boosting effects. There is also some evidence
that suggests Fo-ti might improve the memory and learning and may reduce
the degeneration of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in the brain.
Modern Doctors of Oriental Medicine use the herb to prevent
premature hair loss, reverse color loss in graying hair and regulate
many of the ills that can appear in the aging process. Fo-ti helps to
prevent thinning hair and to restore dry, brittle and damaged hair. It
shows efficacy for use in genetic pattern balding as well as for hair
loss from disease. Chinese herbs are used to treat more than hair
follicles and scalp. Oriental medicine views hair loss in direct
correlation to reduced kidney energy and poor blood circulation or
toxicity. Herbal tonics, such as Fo ti,
are a holistic approach to treating the entire body. It is believed
that by strengthening the organs of elimination, and by increasing
circulation to the scalp through healthy blood flow, hair follicles can
be stimulated into restoring hair. So, for those who are looking to
restore hair back to its natural color and prevent further graying.
Another attribute of this herb is its effects on the kidneys and
liver, as well as its ability to strengthen the lower back, the knees,
and tendons, ligaments, and bones throughout the body. In TCM "yin" is
the material basis for "yang" energy and therefore, needs to be
replenished in order to build back strength and stamina. All yin
energy in the body is believed to come from the kidney yin and is the
reason that the kidneys are often referred to as the "root of our
vitality" with their position seated close to all major organs. Fo-ti
used over a period of time may naturally help to restore energy and
nurture kidney function.
Fo ti
root is also used to strengthen muscle and is widely used by athletes
for providing added strength to the body. It is thought to be the
perfect herbal essence tonic for increasing stamina and resilience to
the body. It has also been used for muscle soreness.
Fo-ti Root's rejuvenating abilities are coupled with its
effects as a mild laxative that causes evacuation of the bowels. This
action not only clears waste but also soothes and softens damaged or
inflamed gastrointestinal mucous membranes, which is particularly
helpful for constipation in the elderly.
As an internal astringent, Fo ti
Root has been helpful in reducing excessive bleeding, particularly
controlling menstrual flow. Externally used, its astringent properties
are included in poultices to control bleeding wounds and sores. It has
also been used for the symptoms of menopause and for vaginal discharge
in women. The herbal tincture of Fo ti root stands out among the top fertility herbs, and for sexual staying power for both men and women.
Ingredients: Fo ti Root, Structured Water, 20% Alcohol.
Non-Alcohol: Fo ti Root, Structured Water, Vegetable Glycerin.
Instructions: Use 6-12 drops in juice, water, under the
tongue, or as desired. May be taken 3 times daily. Shake well. Store in
cool, dark place. Keep out of reach of children.
Contraindications: Currently, there are no warnings or contraindications with the use of Fo ti
Root, but excess (many times the recommended dosage) is not
recommended, as it may cause skin rash or diarrhea. Fo-ti may produce
side effects in the form of liver problems. Consult a health
practitioner before using it. If you experience any symptoms, stop using
Fo-ti and seek medical assistance. It is not suggested for use in
pregnancy or for lactating women, or in people with estrogen-sensitive
cancers because of the lack of evidence to prove its safety.