☯ TCM Properties
Promotes urination and reduces edema especially in the lower body; Expels Wind-Dampness and alleviates pain ( purges Damp-Heat )
Traditional Chinese Uses
Han Fang Ji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae), the root of Stephania tetrandra, is a bitter, pungent, cold herb that drains Dampness, entering the Bladder, Spleen, Kidney and Lung channels. It promotes urination and reduces edema, being especially valued for Damp accumulation in the lower body with leg swelling and difficult urination; a classic pairing is with Huang Qi in Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang for edema and heavy, achy limbs from Wind-Damp with Qi deficiency. It also expels Wind-Dampness and clears Damp-Heat to relieve hot, swollen, painful joints (Bi syndrome).
Safety note: authentic Stephania tetrandra does NOT contain aristolochic acid. Nephrotoxicity historically blamed on "Fang Ji" stemmed from fraudulent substitution with Aristolochia species (Guang Fang Ji, A. fangchi), which is banned. Correct botanical identification is essential; source only verified Stephania tetrandra.
Botanical Description
Stephania tetrandra is a perennial climbing vine of the Menispermaceae family native to southern China and Taiwan. It produces slender twining stems that scramble over neighboring vegetation, bearing alternate, peltate leaves with broadly rounded to triangular blades and long petioles attached near the center of the leaf. Small, inconspicuous greenish-yellow unisexual flowers are borne in axillary cymes, followed by small drupes that turn red at maturity. The plant develops thick, fleshy tuberous roots which are the principal medicinal organ; these are dug in autumn, sliced transversely, and dried. The transverse section shows characteristic radiating vascular bundles within a pale, starchy parenchyma, a feature used to distinguish it from related Menispermaceous and Aristolochiaceous species.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | — | — | — |
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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