Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Star防己黄芪汤 (Stephania and Astragalus Decoction)
Source: Jin Gui Yao Lue — Zhang Zhong-Jing (Eastern Han, c. 220)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang (Stephania and Astragalus Decoction), from the Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essentials from the Golden Cabinet) by Zhang Zhong-Jing.
Actions: Tonifies qi and dispels wind; Strengthens the Spleen and regulates water circulation.
Presentation: Feng shui (wind water) or feng shi (wind damp) with exterior qi deficiency: perspiration, aversion to wind, heaviness of the body, urinary difficulty, pale tongue with white coating, superficial pulse.
Cautions:
- For edema from qi deficiency with damp; contraindicated in edema from excess or heat
- Overdose associated with nausea and poor appetite
Pharmacological effects reported:
- Chronotropic and inotropic: positive effects via direct beta-adrenoceptor stimulation and/or norepinephrine release from cardiac nerve terminals
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1118.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Han Fang Ji
dose printed as 6-12g; as printed: Fang Ji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) 3g [6-12g]
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | dispels wind and regulates water circulation |
|
Huang Qi
dose printed as 9-15g; as printed: Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) 3.75g [9-15g]
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | tonifies qi, consolidates the exterior, regulates water and reduces swelling |
|
Bai Zhu
dose printed as 4.5-9g; as printed: Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) 2.25g [4.5-9g]
|
g | — | Chen (Deputy) | tonifies qi, strengthens the Spleen, dries dampness and helps Huang Qi consolidate wei qi |
|
Gan Cao
printed as Gan Cao, chao (dry-fried); dose printed as 4.5-6g; as printed: Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) 1.5g [4.5-6g]
|
g | — | Zuo (Assistant) | tonifies qi and harmonizes the herbs |
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
Qi is strengthened to secure the exterior while water and wind-damp are drained, treating edema from qi deficiency.
Wind edema or wind-damp with sweating, heaviness and aversion to wind.
Preparation
Grind to coarse powder; cook [15g] of powder with 4 slices Sheng Jiang and 1 piece Da Zao in 1.5 bowls water down to 80%. Take warm and cover with blankets for mild sweating. May be decocted today using bracketed doses.
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Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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