Stephania root (han fang ji)

Stephania tetrandra

Traditionally attributed effects: diuretic in oedema (especially of the legs) and pain-relieving in hot, swollen joints.

Safety notes

Not with chronic dampness without excess or with yin deficiency. Watch out for confusion with Aristolochia fangchi (guang fang ji): it contains aristolochic acid and caused serious kidney damage in Belgium in users of a slimming product. Use only verified Stephania. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Root. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'herbs that drain dampness'. Han fang ji drains fluid in oedema and joint pain; it is part of Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang (Japanese: Boiogito). Confusion with the Aristolochia species guang fang ji, which bears the same name fang ji, caused serious kidney damage in Belgium.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: pungent, bitter, cold
Meridians: spleen, kidney, lung, bladder

Attributed effects

Promotes urination in oedema, rumbling bowels, ascites and a distended abdomen, and relieves pain in wind-damp with hot, swollen joints.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction. The book also describes Aristolochia fangchi (guang fang ji); we deliberately do not include it.

Combinations

With huang qi and bai zhu in fang ji huang qi tang for oedema with weakness
With lepidium seed for oedema with heat

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction

Sources

All herbs from Asia →