fo-ti, a climbing perennial herb found in China. ▪ INDICATIONS: It is used for tiredness, constipation, cancer, and elevated cholesterol. It appears to be safe and effective as a laxative, but proof of efficacy for other indications is lacking. ▪ CONTRAINDICATIONS: It is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, in children, and in those with known hypersensitivity to this product or with diarrhea.
