Modern research indicates that this herb 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. It has been used for a long list of ailments including
atherosclerosis, constipation, fatigue, high cholesterol, high blood
pressure, blood deficiency, nerve damage, eczema, scrofula and
inflammation of lymph nodes and heat toxicity. It is also indicated to
boost the immune system and increase sexual vigour.
Chung Yun, a
famous Chinese herbalist who reportedly lived to be 256 years old, used
Fo-Ti on a daily basis. This herb is thought to have been responsible
for both his long life and his legendary sexual prowess, (he was said
to have had 24 wives). In another Chinese legend Fo-ti was thought to
be responsible for returning natural black colour to a previously
gray-haired man- He Shou Wu means "black haired Mr. He."
Thankfully, we have a little more to go on than folk
medicine legends. Modern research indicates that this herb 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. Hair health, energy and sexual vigor are
the products of this rejuvenation.
Processed fo-ti contains protein-sugar complexes known as lectins.
Processed fo-ti contains protein-sugar complexes known as lectins.
Because they attach to specific arrangements of carbohydrates on cells
in the body, lectins act like antibodies, but they do not cause allergy
symptoms. The lectins in processed fo-ti may affect fat levels in the
blood, helping to prevent or delay heart disease by blocking the
formation of plaques in blood vessels. Plaques are accumulations of fat
and other cells that restrict the size of blood vessels and limit the
flexibility of their walls.
Because they attach to specific arrangements of carbohydrates on cells
in the body, lectins act like antibodies, but they do not cause allergy
symptoms. The lectins in processed fo-ti may affect fat levels in the
blood, helping to prevent or delay heart disease by blocking the
formation of plaques in blood vessels. Plaques are accumulations of fat
and other cells that restrict the size of blood vessels and limit the
flexibility of their walls. In animal studies, processed fo-ti also
reduced the amount of fat that deposited in the liver and it may
protect the liver from damage by toxins such as dry cleaning fluid.
Processed fo-ti may also have immune system effects.
Although supported by a small number of animal studies and numerous
human case reports from China, where processed fo-ti has been used for
centuries as an anti-aging tonic, none of these uses for processed
fo-ti has been confirmed by controlled studies in humans.
Blood deficiency, premature graying of the hair, nerve damage,
wind rash, eczema, sores, carbuncles, goiter, scrofula and inflammation
of lymph nodes and heat toxicity. The herb is also used to lower
cholesterol and blood pressure and restore from exhaustion.
The whole root has been shown to lower cholesterol levels,
according to animal and human research, as well as to decrease
hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis. Other fo-ti research has
investigated this herb's role in strong immune function, red blood cell
formation and antibacterial action
