Polygonum multiflorum
(Fo-ti, He-shou-wu)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Antibacterial activity
• Antiinflammatory effects
• Antioxidant activity
• Cardiovascular activity
• Increases energy
• Lowers blood pressure
• Mild laxative effect
• Promotes growth and development of red blood cells
• Promotes intestinal peristalsis
• Reduces atherosclerotic lesions
• Reduces blood cholesterol levels
• Tonic to maintain youthful vigor

Clinical Indications:

• Aging prevention
• Atherosclerosis
• Bronchitis
• Diabetes
• Hypertension
• Insomnia
• Schizophrenia
• Anemia
• Boil
• Carbuncle
• Infertility, male - due to weak seminal emission
• Lymphadema
• Musculoskeletal pain:
  
  Knee
  Leg numbness
  Lower back
• Premature gray hair
• Vaginal discharge - white or yellowish
• Vertigo

Contraindications:

• Hypersensitive to Fo-Ti may result in a skin rash

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• Do not take with onions, chives or garlic - empirical
• No known interactions with drugs have been reported

Chemical Constituents:

• Glycosides
• Lecithin

Toxicity:

• Unprocessed root may cause mild diarhea
• Very high doses may cause numbness in arms or legs

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).