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Fertility Therapies Men's Fertility

Fo-ti: Herb for Fertility Longevity

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula
July 13, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

Fo-ti (Polygonum multiflorum) has a rich history as a fertility aid. Generally, it is used to treat male infertility, but it has been found to be an excellent herb for overall health and longevity.

Fo-ti is also known as He Shou Wu, Ho Shou Wu, Fleece flower and a variety of other names depending the country. He Shou Wu translates as “black haired Mr. He”. Legend tells of a man named Mr. He who was ill and unable to father children. He came upon a plant; upon closer inspection, he noticed that during the night the vines of the plant intermingled. He thought that this plant might help him have the same interaction with his wife. He consumed the roots of the plant for many years, his hair turned from grey to black again, his health was restored, and he went on to father children.

Fo-ti is a traditional adaptogen herb used in China, Japan, Vietnam, Taiwan and Korea. It has gained popularity in the United States for its superb healing and restorative properties. Three words are synonymous with this plant, “vitality”, “vigor” and “longevity”. It has a long history of use for aiding in all kinds of debilitating conditions.

For fertility, Fo-ti has been traditionally used for men who have low libido, low sperm count, erectile dysfunction, and poor sperm motility. For enhanced action, TCM practitioners generally combine Fo-ti with Ashwagandha, Morinda Rt. and suo yang (Cynomorium songaricum).

Fo-ti Root Support for Fertility

  • Nourishing for the blood
  • According to TCM helps to restore jing (life essence)
  • Shown to increase libido
  • Shown to improve sperm count and motility
  • Excessive uterine bleeding
  • Excessive vaginal discharge
  • Supports both thyroid and adrenal function
  • Supports healthy digestion
  • Nourishing to the liver and kidneys
  • Rich in iron, essential for proper blood formation
  • Rich in zinc, supports healthy testosterone levels in men
  • The vine and leaf are sometimes used to aid stress, nervous tension and insomnia

Support Fertility Longevity

For thousands of years, people have said that Fo-ti gives them an uplifting feeling. Until now no one could understand for sure why, at least from a scientific standpoint. Research has shown that Fo-ti has a potent action as an MAOI (Monoamine oxidase inhibitor). MAOs are enzymes that break down a series of chemicals in our bodies. MAOs are split into two groups; MAO-A and MAO-B. Animal studies have shown Fo-ti to be a MAO-B inhibitor. One of the main chemicals in our bodies that is broken down by MAOs is dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in our pleasure, wellbeing, movement, and emotional responses. Dopamine may decline due to age, especially if you are over 40 or have chronic stress, poor dietary habits, and unhealthy lifestyle habits. As dopamine is reduced by MAOs, natural vitality in the body may decline, including sexual function and hormone release. Fo-ti is one of the only herbs to perform as a MAO-B inhibitor. Fo-ti’s action as a MAO-B inhibitor may help prevent low levels of dopamine. Low levels of dopamine leave the door open for sexual dysfunction, mental illness, emotional, and mental stress. MAO-B inhibition from use of Fo-ti was shown to be over 80%.

Studies show a great potential for use of Fo-ti for people with fertility issues associated with advanced age (40+), high stress, adrenal fatigue, POF, poor egg health, low sperm count and poor sperm health.

Traditional Suggested Usage


Tincture:
30-40 drops, 3 times a day.

Decoction of dried cured root: 1-2 tsp. dried rt. to 10 oz. water. Bring to a boil, lower heat, cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat, steep for an additional 40 minutes. 4 oz. of the decoction, 3 times a day. Do not decoct in a metal pot. Pyrex is preferred.

Quality is very important when purchasing this herb! Be sure you are purchasing this herb from a qualified TCM practitioner or reputable herbal company!

Caution: Do not use with acetaminophen, tetracycline, statin or hepatotoxic medications.

References

  • Winston, D., & Maimes, S. (2007). Adaptogens: herbs for strength, stamina, and stress relief. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts Press.
  • Gilbert, B. (n.d.). How He Shou Wu Naturally Boosts Dopamine. Retrieved from: https://www.hyperionherbs.com/how-he-shou-wu-naturally-boosts-dopamine/
  • Dopamine. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/dopamine
  • Monoamine oxidase. (n.d.). Retrieved from: https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Monoamine oxidase

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About the Author

Dalene Barton - Certified Herbalist, Birth Doula

Practicing natural health and herbalism for over 18 years, Dalene received her training and herbal certification under the guidance of Lynn Albers at Yarmony Mt. Herbal College in Colorado in 2000. She went on to become a Certified Birth Doula at Birthingway College of Midwifery in Portland, Oregon in 2007. As a Birth Doula, Dalene has helped to bring many new lives in to this world. Dalene has written 280+ fertility articles and with her vast array of herbal and holistic healing knowledge has helped 1000's of women on their journey to Motherhood.

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
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@NaturalFertilityInfo

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Ready to get started? 

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By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing

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View

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There are many factors that can have an impact on the health of the ovaries and eggs including environmental factors, hormones in the diet, and stress, just to name a few.

In addition, having healthy fertility is based on many additional aspects to consider, including:
➡️ Proper circulation
➡️ A healthy fertility cycle
➡️ Balanced hormones
➡️ Healthy eggs

Egg health is one of the cornerstones of healthy fertility. 

The health of your eggs (ova) can affect whether or not fertilization and implantation will occur as well as the viability of a pregnancy.

During the cycle of an egg’s journey towards ovulation, there is a window of opportunity, a period of time, when certain factors can affect the health of the eggs that are preparing for ovulation. ⏳

This journey takes about 90 days. 

The steps you take today will impact the health of your eggs 3 months from now. 

That is why I talk so much about taking a MINIMUM of 90 days to prepare for pregnancy or IVF/IUI. 

🙂 The good news is that there are steps you can take to help support the health of your eggs. There is too much info to put into this tiny caption but….

Type EGG if you would like me to send you my Egg Health Checklist that takes you through all of the steps to take.👇👇

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 20

Open
5 Steps you can take to help support your fertility naturally…. 👇

1️⃣ Cleanse and prepare the body for conception

2️⃣ Nourish the body with fertility supportive foods

3️⃣ Protect and remove any substances that are causing harm

4️⃣ Learn how to fertility chart and read your monthly cycle

5️⃣ Add lifestyle habits that help to support fertility health

🌼 To learn more on how to support your fertility naturally, type STEPS in the comments below to join my free mini-course - 5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally, where I go into detail on each of the 5 steps. 👇

#naturalfertility #fertilitytips #gettingpregnant #hormonehealth #hormonalhealth

naturalfertilityinfo

View

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Open
Get ready to prep your body for conception with Fertility Cleansing 101 🌿

The time leading up to pregnancy is crucial in creating a healthy foundation for your growing baby. That's where fertility cleansing comes in!

By cleansing the uterus and liver through the use of herbs, you'll be supporting your body in preparation for conception. 

The Fertility Cleanse encourages the liver to cleanse the body of toxins and excess hormones, while also supporting the uterus in cleansing old stagnant blood and increasing circulation.

Ready to get started? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪 

#FertilityJourney #ReproductiveHealth #Cleansing"

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View

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Open
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👇 Drop MEN in the comments below & I will send you my Male Fertility Checklist with all the details on which herbs, supplements and foods to focus on in addition to cleansing 👇

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Do you have natural fertility questions? Type them below. We are happy to help!

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Open
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It's the first step we suggest for most couples when they start trying to get pregnant. 

With over 680 five star reviews, the Fertility Cleanse Kit is by far a customer favorite. 

You can find the Fertility Cleanse Kit on our website. Link in the bio... @naturalfertilityinfo

Want to learn more? 

👇 Type CLEANSE in the comments below and I'll send you my Guide To Fertility Cleansing. 💪
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