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 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 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.