Zhi Fu Zi
English: Prepared aconite
Chinese: 制附子
Use of Zhi Fu Zi (prepared aconite) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: There are various methods of preparing this herb to neutralize its toxicity. In one method it is treated with salt and then boiled with Licorice and black soya beans. In any case it absolutely needs to be boiled for at least 1 hour in order to reduce its toxicity.
Dosage: 3 - 9 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Raises the collapse of Yang. Warms the meridians and relieves pain caused by Cold. Reduces Damp caused by Deficiency in Yang.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Zhi Fu Zi may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Weak pulse Fatigue Impotence Arthralgia Vomiting Diarrhea Numbness of limbs
Contraindications*: Should not be used by those with Yin Deficiency, with true Heat, with false chills or during pregnancy. This is a toxic herb so it shouldn't be taken in large doses and it needs to be prepared adequately by a TCM professional before ingestion.
Common TCM formulas in which Zhi Fu Zi is used*
Da Huang Fu Zi Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 3 herbs
Formula key actions: Warms the Interior. Disperses Cold. Unblocks the bowels. Alleviates pain.
Conditions targeted*: Trigeminal neuralgiaPeriarthritis of the shoulder and others
Zhi Fu Zi is a king ingredient in Da Huang Fu Zi Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Da Huang Fu Zi Tang, Zhi Fu Zi is the most effective substance in the Materia Medica for warming the Yang and dispelling Cold. In this case, because the Cold is severe and it is combined with a cooling substance, Rhubarb (Da Huang)'s dosage is higher than usual.
Zhen Wu Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Formula key actions: Warms and tonifies the Yang and Qi of the Spleen and Kidneys. Eliminates Dampness.
Conditions targeted*: Congestive heart failureChronic glomerulonephritis and others
Zhi Fu Zi is a king ingredient in Zhen Wu Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Zhen Wu Tang, Zhi Fu Zi tonifies the Fire at the Gate of Vitality, restores the Kidney Yang, and thereby enables the Kidneys to resume their function of transforming water.
Fu Zi Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Formula key actions: Warms the Meridians. Assists the Yang. Dispels Cold. Transforms Dampness.
Conditions targeted*: MigraineCluster headache and others
Zhi Fu Zi is a king ingredient in Fu Zi Tang. Like the name indicates, it means it has more power than other ingredients in the formula.
In Fu Zi Tang, Zhi Fu Zi penetrates into the Gate of Vitality to invigorate the Yang and disperses Cold from all twelve Meridians.
As noted by Zhang Jie-Bin, a famous Chinese medicine doctor: "[Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi)] is an essential herb for Yin-type patterns. In all cases of Cold damage that transmit or transform into [disorders of one of] the three Yin [warps] as well as in [direct] Cold strike into the Yin [warps], if the pulse is submerged, it must be used even if there is high fever."
Key TCM concepts behind Zhi Fu Zi's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Zhi Fu Zi belongs to the 'Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold' category. Herbs in this category are used for Internal Cold with Qi Deficiency and/or Yang Deficiency. In the Yin and Yang system of thought Yang is Hot in nature. A deficiency of Yang will therefore lead to Internal Coldness since there will as a result be more Yin (Cold in nature) than Yang. In extreme cases this can lead to so-called 'Yang collapse' with convulsions or coma and these herbs are particularly indicated to treat such scenarios.
As suggested by its category Zhi Fu Zi is Hot in nature. This means that Zhi Fu Zi typically helps people who have too much "Cold" in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much 'Cold' in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Zhi Fu Zi can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Zhi Fu Zi also tastes Pungent and Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Pungent ingredients like Zhi Fu Zi tends to promote the circulations of Qi and Body Fluids. That's why for instance someone tends to sweat a lot when they eat spicy/pungent food. On the other hand Sweet ingredients tend to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Zhi Fu Zi is thought to target the Heart, the Kidney and the Spleen. In addition to regulating Blood flow, in TCM the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body. The Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body.