Tetrandra root (Fangji)

Pharmaceutical Name : Radix Stephaniae tetrandrae

Botanical Name : 1. Stephania tetrandra S. Moore; 2. Cocculus trilobus (Thunb.) DC.; 3. Aristolochia fangchi Wu et L. D. Chou et S. M. Hwang

Common Name : Stephania root, Tetrandra root

Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations : The roots are dug in autumn. After the root bark has been removed, the roots are cleaned, dried in the sun and cut into pieces or slices.

Properties & Taste: Bitter, pungent and cold

Meridians: Urinary bladder, kidney and spleen

Functions: 1. To dispel wind and dampness; 2. To stop pain; 3. To relieve edema

Indications & Combinations:

1. Wind-damp obstruction syndrome or damp-heat obstruction syndrome. Tetrandra root (Fangji) is used with Coix seed (Yiyiren), Talc (Huashi), Silkworm excrement (Cansha) and Chaenomeles fruit (Mugua).

2. Cold-damp obstruction syndrome. Tetrandra root (Fangji) is used with Cinnamon twigs (Guizhi) and Prepared aconite root (Fuzi).

3. Edema: a) edema with heat signsTetrandra root (Fangji) is used with Lepidium seed (Tinglizi) and Zanthoxylum (Jiaomu) in the formula Ji Jiao Li Huang Wan; b) edema with signs of weakness of the spleenTetrandra root (Fangji) is used with Astragalus root (Huangqi) and White atractylodes (Baizhu) in the formula Fangji Huangqi Tang.

Dosage: 5-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with deficient yin.