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Description

Fo ti is the American name for the herb Polygonum multiflorum. Polygonum is a member of the Polygonaceae family of plants. In Chinese herbalism, fo ti is called he shou wu or ho shou wu. Other names are fleeceflower and Chinese cornbind. In Japan the herb is called kashuu. It is one of the most popular herbs in Oriental medicine, used as an overall health tonic, as a tincture to increase longevity, and as a remedy for various health conditions.

Fo ti is a perennial flowering vine that reaches heights of 3–6 ft (0.97–1.8 m). It is native to southwestern China, Japan and Taiwan, but can be cultivated in many regions, including parts of North America.

The root of the plant is the part most frequently used for medicinal purposes, although Chinese herbalists occasionally use the stems for different applications. The root has a sweet and slightly bitter taste. Chinese...