Fo-ti root, famous for its anti-aging properties, purportedly has numerous health benefits. It boosts sexual vigor, improves fertility, supports liver and kidney health, and can be effective to lower cholesterol.

Did You Know?

The processed root of fo-ti is known as red fo-ti, while the unprocessed one is referred to as white fo-ti. Processed fo-ti is said to have higher medicinal value than the unprocessed version.Fo-ti, the ancient Chinese herb is touted to be a longevity tonic. The practitioners of herbal medicine in China have long recognized its therapeutic value, although the United States has just woken up to its benefits. The reddish brown bitter roots of the fo-ti herb are highly prized for their health-promoting properties. The processed root of the plant is primarily used for medical reasons. Fo-ti root is taken in the form of tea, tincture, capsules, and tonic powder.

Liver and Kidney Tonic
The root of fo-ti has a strong reputation of strengthening the liver and kidneys. The herb can help revitalize and rejuvenate these organs, crucial for optimal health and well-being. These organs play a crucial role in the elimination of toxins; hence an increase in their functionality can actually boost energy at cellular level and contribute to a general sense of wellness. The herb may possibly work in treating patients suffering from kidney failure. No wonder, there have been reports of increased energy and greater ability to carry out physical activity, from regular use of fo-ti root.

Relieves Respiratory Disorders
Bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, such as tuberculosis, can be treated with fo-ti herb, as it supposedly displays potent antibacterial activity. The fo-ti herb can counteract the effects of bacillus strains of bacteria that are commonly responsible for causing tuberculosis.

Sexual Stimulant
When you are slowing down between the sheets, taking fo-ti root, that acts as herbal Viagra, may benefit by improving your flagging libido levels. Few studies show that the herb has aphrodisiac properties, which may be helpful in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. The vasodilatory properties of the herb increases blood flow in the desired region in both sexes, which helps to increase libido.

Reverses Graying of Hair
You probably won't have to use hair color to hide streaks of gray hair if you have fo-ti root on a regular basis. This is because the herb is believed to support gray hair reversal. As we know, gray hair is often the result of loss of melanin―a type of pigment. Fo-ti helps restore melanin, causing gray hair to return to their normal appearance. It is also used in the treatment and prevention of thinning of hair.

According to Chinese medicine, hair problems have been related to poor functioning of the kidneys as well as hormone imbalance. The fo-ti herb helps stabilize fluctuating hormones and boosts kidney function, which facilitates detoxification as well as promotes blood circulation throughout the body including the hair follicles. This helps in resolving hair loss problems.

Improves Fertility
Fo-ti root may help to correct men's and women's reproductive health issues. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used in fertility treatment. The herb is said to have fertility restoration ability. It has a positive impact on the levels of certain hormones, which help to maintain a healthy reproductive system.

High in Nutrition
Fo-ti herb contains substantial amount of iron, the nutrient that plays a crucial role in the formation of red blood cells. The herb is also high in zinc, with 100 g containing a whopping 42 mg of zinc. This is much more than beef and lamb (12.3 mg of zinc in 100 g), which are considered to be excellent sources of zinc. Fo-ti root is also a good source of lecithin, an essential unsaturated fatty acid, helpful in reducing high blood pressure.

Lowers Cholesterol Levels
Dietary lectins present in fo-ti root may help to lower blood cholesterol levels. From animal and human studies, it appears that the active constituent of fo-ti may support healthy cholesterol levels. The processed root tends to protect the liver from cholesterol buildup.

Support Prostate Health
For a healthy prostate gland function, taking the fo-ti root regularly is a good option. The herb has been used for the treatment of enlarged prostate.

Relieves Constipation
Fo-ti root could act as a herbal remedy to ease straining during bowel movement. The herb acts as a natural laxative, which can help treat constipation.

Improves Sleep
If you aren't getting adequate 'shut eye' time, think about natural remedies like fo-ti root. The herb is said to promote better sleep. So, take fo-ti root regularly so that you sleep more deeply and wake up fully refreshed.

Controls Blood Sugar
The herb may help to treat diabetes, as it reportedly provides a blood sugar lowering effect. However, diabetics should be cautious when taking this herb along with prescription medicine for it can cause blood sugar to plunge to dangerous levels.

Fo-ti root is also used to treat the following medical conditions:

• Dizziness and ringing in ears
• Lower back pain
• Knee soreness
• Cancer
• Limb numbness

On the whole, fo-ti root may help in nourishing the body but since it hasn't got any recognition from the USFDA, one should first consult a doctor before taking it for any medical condition.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.