Fo-Ti : BOTANICAL NAME: Polygonum multiflorum PART USED AND HABITAT: Fo-ti is a plant native to China, where it continues to be widely grown. It also grows extensively in Japan and Taiwan. The unprocessed root is sometimes used; however, once it has been boiled in a special liquid made from black beans, it is considered a superior and rather different medicine according to traditional Chinese medicine. The unprocessed root is sometimes called white fo-ti and the processed root red fo-ti.INDICATION AND USAGE:Other uses: Atherosclerosis; Constipation; Fatigue; High cholesterol; Immune functionHISTORICAL OR TRADITIONAL USE: (may or may not be supported by scientific studies): The Chinese common name for fo-ti, he-shou-wu, was the name of a Tang dynasty man whose infertility was supposedly cured by fo-ti; in addition, his long life was attributed to the tonic properties of this herb.Since then, traditional Chinese medicine has used fo-ti to treat premature aging, weakness, vaginal discharges, numerous infectious diseases, angina pectoris, and erectile dysfunction. Fo-ti was a meaningless name created by an entrepreneur. ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY: The active constituents of fo-ti have yet to be determined. 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. The unprocessed roots have a mild laxative action. DOSAGE: The typical daily intake is 4?8 grams.A tea can be made from processed roots by boiling 1/2?1 U.S. teaspoons (3?5 grams) in 250 ml (1 cup) of water for ten to fifteen minutes. Three or more cups are drunk each day. Fo-ti tablets (500 mg each) can be taken in the amount of five tablets three times per day. 2% Phospohatides