SALIX - WILLOWS

The fo-ti plant, or he-shou-wu (as known by the Chinese), while originally from China, can also be found growing throughout Japan, Tawain and few other locations in the orient. The root of the fo-ti plant is used medicinally in traditional Chinese medicine in connection with premature aging, weakness, vaginal discharges, a variety of infectious diseases, angina pectoris, and erectile dysfunction

What gives Fo-ti its medicinal properities?

The primary chemical compounds found in the fo-ti herb are phospholipids, anthraquinones, tannins, and tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside. It is the combination of these substances in the root of the fo-ti that appears to be responsible for the herb's cholesterol lowering effects. Additional research indicates that this herb also may help to eliminate fatty deposits in the blood and assist in the prevention of atherosclerosis.

Studies have suggested that fo-ti can stimulate immune function, increase red blood cell formation, and exert an antibacterial effect in the body. However, these effects have not been proven via human studies. The roots of fo-ti also produce a mild laxative action when taken properly.

Other unverified applications of the fo-ti herb include dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, nocturnal emission, deep skin infections, sores, abscesses, goiter and neck lumps, and sore knees and back.

Fo-ti has also been used to restore lost hair and turn white hair black again. Please do a few searches on the Internet under "fo-ti plant". You will find many other simptoms that are helped by this plant.

Can't wait? If you don't want to wait the 3 years that takes to grow this plant and use it's root, you can buy sliced fo-ti root from a vendor in New Jersey. Their web site is at http://www.kalyx.com. I found that web site by chance, they have the fo-ti in many different forms, I purchased 1 lb of root thin sliced that cost me $24.81 postage included. Since this plant grows more sideways than up, I am selling plants that are at least 10 inches long, very well rooted plants. When you receive it transplant it into a much larger container, 3 gallons or better, or just plant them in the ground if you are in zone 7 or better. It can be propagated easily from tip cuttings.

There are plenty of web sites that grow and sell gynura Procumbens and make very interesting claims, such as cancer cure, diabetes, aids, blood pressure, cholesterol, etc. The only claim I make is that my Gynura plants are cheaper than anybody elses.

Gynura is not hardy at all, any frost will kill it . All claims I have seen ask you to have a gynura salad (use the leaves) daily. As you grow your plant you can propagate it by tip cuttings. Place your plants in a sunny window at room temperature when outside tempertures are below 40 degrees. In late Spring, Summer and early Fall, keep the containers outside. The leaves of the gynura procumbens do not taste bad, just like lettuce and you can either eat them in salads or include them in soups or with any other dishes.

In weeks you should be able to start taking leaves and consuming them.

When you get your gynura plants, please inspect them carefully, Gynuras attract aphids and you should always be aware of that. There are many solutions to get rid of aphids, the best I have found is having praying mantis (I get the sacks on ebay at $3 each). As long as you have praying mantis in the area where the bushes are, you will not have aphids.

If you want to buy these in kits of 6 (with propagating instructions and hormodin)
please visit the gynura kit page

This plant has been used for many centuries in South America as a sweetener. It is just arriving in America, many sugar companies are against this because the use of stevia will most likely ruin their businesses. Stevia is a natural sweetener without any calories and it is safe for diabetics to use freely. The plant is stripped from its leaves, the leaves are dried and ground, then they can be added to cakes, breads, coffee or tea.
While the plant is a perennial, it is not hardy and must be taken indoors during the winter, that is why it is grown in large containers. Stevia can be found in the supermarket under several different names such as Truvia, Stevia (Walmart) and others..