Is Fo Ti Edible?
Answered by: Inge Poot
Question from: Mark Maslow
Posted on: June 22, 1999

I purchased a Foti plant (Polygonum multiflorum) from you some time ago, and it has really taken off.

I know that the roots are used in traditional Chinese medicine. Can you tell me if the leaves also edible?

As far as we know, the plant is not considered edible. But having said that, someone is likely to prove us wrong since there are some surprising usages of herbs in China.

According to Deni Bown’s book "Encyclopedia of Herbs and their Uses" and John Keys "Chinese Herbs" roots, stems and leaves are used medicinally.

The roots are used internally for menstrual and menopausal problems, weak kidney and liver energy, constipation in the elderly, swollen lymph glands, and high cholesterol.

The stems and leaves are used internally for insomnia and neurastenia.

Externally the roots are used for bleeding and sores.

Externally roots, stems, and leaves are used for ringworm.

Roots are also combined with Panax ginseng and Angelica polymorpha var. sinensis for a tonic.

Excess may cause skinrash and numbness of extremities.

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