Learn Chinese Medicine through Stories – The Legend of He Shou Wu (Foti)

The main benefits and effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine - Foti (He Shou Wu)

In ancient times, there was a man named He Tian'er, who was frail and sickly. Despite being over fifty years old, he had no children. He longed to strengthen his body and ensure the continuation of his family line. One day, he accidentally encountered a peculiar vine plant in the mountains and decided to bring it home. From then on, he regularly boiled and consumed the plant's roots. Over time, he noticed a gradual improvement in his health. Not only did he feel more energetic, but his hair also turned from white to black. Later, He Tian'er's son adopted the habit of consuming this plant as well, experiencing similar health benefits, and his descendants flourished. To commemorate He Tian'er, people named this plant "He Shou Wu" (何首乌), meaning "He’s black hair."

The Main Effects and Functions of Foti 

He Shou Wu is known for its ability to tonify the liver and kidneys, replenish essence and blood, darken hair, strengthen muscles and bones, and reduce fat while purifying the body. Clinically, it is commonly used to treat conditions such as blood deficiency with pale complexion, dizziness and tinnitus, premature graying of hair, soreness of the waist and knees, numbness in the limbs, excessive bleeding, leucorrhea, and hyperlipidemia.

Modern pharmacological research shows that He Shou Wu contains various chemical compounds, such as anthraquinones and stilbene glycosides, which have antioxidant, anti-aging, blood lipid-regulating, hematopoietic-promoting, and immune-boosting effects. It has certain positive significance in improving liver and kidney function, delaying aging, and other related health benefits.

Therapeutic Fo-ti Tea

Foti + Goji Berries

Ingredients:

5 grams of He Shou Wu, 10 grams of Goji berries.
Method:

Wash the He Shou Wu and Goji berries thoroughly, then place them in a teapot. Add an appropriate amount of boiling water and let it steep for 15–20 minutes before drinking.
Effects:

Nourishes the liver and kidneys, benefits essence, and improves vision. This remedy is suitable for symptoms caused by liver and kidney deficiency, such as dizziness, blurred vision, and soreness of the waist and knees. Goji berries are known for their liver-nourishing and vision-enhancing properties, and when paired with He Shou Wu, they work synergistically to enhance the tonic effects on the liver and kidneys.

He Shou Wu + Red Dates

Ingredients:

5 grams of He Shou Wu, 5 red dates.
Method:

Wash the He Shou Wu, remove the pits from the red dates, and place both into a teapot. Add an appropriate amount of boiling water and let it steep for 15 minutes before drinking.
Effects:

Nourishes the blood, calms the mind, and tonifies the liver and kidneys. This remedy is beneficial for symptoms such as qi and blood deficiency, insomnia with vivid dreams, and liver-kidney deficiency. Red dates are known for their ability to tonify the spleen, boost energy, nourish the blood, and calm the mind. When combined with He Shou Wu, they work synergistically to promote blood nourishment and support liver health.

Usage as Herbal Teas:

1. He Shou Wu 5 grams + Goji Berries 10 grams
2. He Shou Wu 5 grams + Red Dates 5 pieces

For either formula, you can place the ingredients in a electric kettle, add 500ml of water, and either simmer for 10–15 minutes or steep in boiling water for 20–30 minutes before drinking.

Note: The above herbal teas should be consumed under the guidance of a specialist. Do not take them on your own without professional advice.

It is important to note that although foods that share medicinal and nutritional properties offer various health benefits, they are not suitable for everyone. When choosing such foods, it is essential to consider one's unique constitution and any underlying health conditions. Blindly using these foods should be avoided, as they possess different properties such as cold, hot, warm, and cool. It is advised to select suitable medicinal foods or herbs under the guidance of a physician. This approach helps adjust the body’s internal balance by harmonizing the organs and energy systems, ultimately promoting a balanced yin-yang state and preventing the onset or progression of diseases.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history and a distinctive theoretical framework, offering immense practical value and rich scientific insights. It is not only an excellent cultural heritage of China but also a valuable treasure of world heritage.

As an essential component of China’s traditional medicine, Chinese herbal medicine carries thousands of years of health wisdom from the Chinese people. It is not only a cultural gem of China but also a national treasure. Chinese medicinal herbs are beloved for their unique therapeutic effects and natural ingredients. The treatment principles of Chinese herbal medicine are based on TCM theory, emphasizing the intrinsic link between the properties of herbs and their therapeutic actions. Herbs are classified according to their thermal properties (cold, hot, warm, cool), tastes (sour, sweet, bitter, pungent, salty), and other actions (such as ascending, descending, sinking, or floating).

The use of Chinese herbal medicine must follow specific guidelines and precautions, such as tailoring treatments to individual conditions, taking herbs on time, and avoiding certain foods. These practices ensure both safety and effectiveness. Chinese medicine has a vast body of knowledge, and its therapeutic effects and safety are widely recognized and applied.