Han Fang Ji (Stephania Root)

Herb 18 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

Channels:

BL, SP, KI

Properties:

Bitter, Spicy, Cold

Latin:

Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae

Chinese:

防己

Tone Marks:

hàn fáng jĭ

Alt Names:

Fang Ji

Chinese Herb Actions

• Promotes Urination, Reduces Edema, Regulates the Water Passages
  For edema in the lower body, ascites, leg qi, gurgling intestines, abdominal distention and other disorders due to water and dampness in the lower jiao
• Expels Wind-Damp and Relieves Pain
  For red, hot, swollen joints associated with damp-heat.

Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions

• Use with caution in cases with Yin Deficiency.
• Use with caution in cases with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency or Cold.

Herb-Drug Interactions

• None noted, but use cautiously with diuretics including chlorothoiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, Lasix, Bumex, and Demadex.

Chinese Herb Toxicity & Overdose

• Overdose can lead to vomiting, tremor, ataxia, convulsions, quadriplegia, hypertonicity, and respiratory failure.
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Chinese Herb Dosage

• 4.5-9 grams in decoction ¹²
• 4.5-9 grams in decoction ¹³

Chinese Herb Notes

• Han Fan Ji (Fen Fang Ji) should not be confused with Guang Fan Ji which contains the nephrotoxin aristolochic acid.
• See Eric Brand's blog post: Are You Using the Correct Fang Ji?

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

• Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang (Stephania and Astragalus Decoction)
  Category: Formulas that Promote Urination and Leach out Dampness