1. History
Fo-ti root, or Chinese knotweed has been used as a traditional medicinal plant for thousands of year. It is thought to promote longevity, increase sexual vigor and rejuvenate the body. Fo-ti root can also be used as a component in treating a multitude of ailments such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, constipation, eczema, heat toxicity, etc.
Chinese knotweed is still being used nowadays in East Asian countries in many traditional recipes for treatments of premature greying of hair, back pain, high cholesterol and boosting immunity.
2. Definition and uses
Fallopia multiflora belongs to the family Polygonaceae. The used part is tuberous root which has a reddish-brown color and bitter taste. It is starchy, stringent and warm in property. It is used to invigorate the liver and kidney, nourish the liver blood and strengthen kidney essence. Thus this herb can support hair follicle function and development of healthy hair. According to traditional medicine, hair health depends on proper functioning of the kidney. By replenishing the kidney and nourishing the blood, Fallopia multiflora can help to reactivate hair follicles, promote healthy hair and treat premature greying.
Components of Fallopia multiflora such as resveratrol and piceid have shown effects of lowering blood lipid level. Fo-ti root can be used to lower serum cholesterol and triglyceride, inhibit blood lipid and slow down the progress of plaque formation in the blood vessel.
Additionally, anthraglycosides in Fallopia multiflora can increase colonic secretion, improve stomach contractility and improve nutrients absorption as a result.
Source:
Do Huy Bich, Plants and animal for medicinal purposes in Vietnam, Book I, 884-888.
Vietnamese Pharmacopeia, Book IV, 772-773.
Do Tat Loi, Medicinal plants and recipes in Vietnam, 835.