han fang ji

汉防己·Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae

Stephania Root

About han fang ji

Han Fang Ji (汉防己) is the root of stephania, recorded as Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae. It is bitter and acrid in flavour and cold in temperature, entering the Bladder, Spleen and Kidney channels. The catalogue files it among the herbs that drain Dampness.

Names

Pinyinhan fang ji
Chinese汉防己
Latin NameRadix Stephaniae Tetrandrae
English NameStephania Root·stephania tetrandra
Japanesekanpoi
Koreanhanbanggi

Classification

Channels
Spleen, Bladder, Kidney
Flavour
Acrid, Bitter
Temperature
Cold
Part used
Root
Family
menispermaceae
Species
stephania tetrandra
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Promotes urination and reduces edema, especially in the lower body

  • Water and Damp collecting in the Lower Jiao: swollen legs, damp leg Qi, gurgling intestines, abdominal distension or ascites

Expels Wind-Damp, clears Damp-Heat and relieves pain

  • Wind-Damp-Heat Bi, with fever and joints that are red, hot, swollen and painful; its cold nature suits hot joints where warm herbs would not
  • Cramps and pain in the feet and hands

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 3-12g; Tincture: 2-4ml3-12 g2-4 ml

Cautions

Interactions

Drug interactions