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This popular Chinese herb may boost the immune system. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used to treat premature aging, weakness, vaginal discharges, numerous infectious diseases, chest pain (angina), and impotence. Other unverified uses include dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, nocturnal emission, deep skin infections, sores, abscesses, goiter and neck lumps, and sore knees and back. Fo-Ti is native to China, where it continues to be widely cultivated. It is also grown extensively in Japan and Taiwan. The unprocessed root--called white Fo-Ti--is sometimes used, but, more often, it is boiled in a special liquid made from black beans, upon which it is called red Fo-Ti.
Both animal and human studies have shown the root to be effective at lowering cholesterol levels and decreasing hardening of the arteries. The unprocessed root also possesses a mild laxative effect. The ingredients responsible for these properties are yet to be identified.
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