Tetrandra root (Fangji)
Stephania tetrandra S. Moore (Fam. Menispermaceae)
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Stephaniae
tetrandrae
Botanical Name: 1. Stephania
tetrandra S. Moore (Fam.
Menispermaceae); 2. Cocculus
trilobus (Thunb.) DC. (Family: Menispermaceae); 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 Talc
(Huashi), Coix seed (Yiyiren), 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
signs Tetrandra 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 spleen Tetrandra root (Fangji) is used with White atractylodes (Baizhu), Astragalus
root (Huangqi) and in the formula Fangji Huangqi Tang.
Dosage: 5-10 g, decocted in water for an oral dose.
Cautions & Contraindications:
1.
This herb is contraindicated in cases with deficient yin.
2. Contraindicated in large
amounts because it will damage Stomach Qi. Contraindicated in Yin Deficiency, and with
symptoms of poor appetite.
0 Comment:
Post a Comment