[This article contains information on medicinal herbalism, read our Medical Disclaimer here.]
The herb to nourish the heart and calm the spirit.
Botanical name: Polygonum multiflorum
Derved from the Greek words "poly" meaning "many" and "gonu" meaning "knee", referring to the swollen nodes on the stem of the plant. The species name "multiflorum" may be derived from the Greek words "multi" meaning "multiple" and "florum" meaning "flowers" referring to how the flowers grow in bouquets.
Common names: Climbing knotweed, flowery knotweed, fo-ti, fo-ti-Teng, he shou wu, or ho shou wu. Known as He shou wu in China and East Asia, and Fo-ti in North America.
Family: Polygonaceae
Origin: Cultivated all over China.
Botany: An herbaceous vine, which quickly grows and takes up available space. Flowers bloom in the fall.
Parts used: The leaves, root tuber, and rhizomes have been used as tonic and anti-aging agents. The stem is used to alleviate insomnia and have anti-diabetic activity as well. .
Historical use: Fo-ti is a primary ingredient in "Shou Wu Chih" a patented Chinese medicine. It is believed that fo-ti will rejuvenate the body, turning grey hair black again. Said to be a youth giving tonic. The herb is officially listed in Chinese Pharmacopoeia.
Energetics: Yin essence tonic.
Therapeutic actions:
Anti-tumor: inhibits the growth of tumors
Anti-bacterial: destroys and inhibits the growth of bacteria
Anti-inflammatory: reduces inflammation
Antioxidant: neutralizes free radicals
Anti-diabetic:
here’s where i source my fo-ti
Sincerely,
Emilee Wright
A Mercurial Consciousness