Bistort, Solomon's seal / 1995

Botanical name: 
Bistorta major
Polygonatum multiflorum
Polygonum multiflorum

Date: Sun, 20 Aug 1995 21:52:06 +0000
Sender: HERB.TREARNPC.EGE.EDU.TR
From: christopher hedley <christopher.GN.APC.ORG>
Subject: re FO TI EXPERT

Polygonum bistorta root, also called bistort, is similar in actions to its relative P. multiflorum root, also called ho shou wu. It is used in Europe to drive out fevers, stop internal bleeding, to clean bites and wounds, for diarrhoea, for weak kidnies, for loose or painful teeth and for infertility in women. Bistort leaves are one of the best tasting of all wild vegetables.

Fo ti is a made up name.

PolygonATUM multiflorum, also called Solomon's seal, is NOT related. In Europe this plant is used mostly externally. It is a traditional remedy for broken bones and, especially, for bruises. It should NOT be used internally, unless you are familiar with it. It contains cardio-active glycosides.There are a number of other spp of polygonatum used in chinese medicine, but they vary in strength and can not be simply exchanged for each other.

Be careful of plant names and be sure you are talking about the same thing.

Christopher Hedley

Credentials; Member of the National Institute of Medicinal Herbalists, UK.