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.
