Formula Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness

Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang

防己黄芪汤

Also known as:

Stephania and Astragalus Decoction

Formula Composition

Fang Ji
Fang Ji
Huang Qi
Huang Qi
Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Da Zao
Da Zao
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Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Diuretic, clears Excess fluid and removes edema
  2. Tonifies the Spleen Qi
  3. Calms External Wind

Patterns Treated

Oedema, Wind-Damp

Historical Origin

Essentials from the Golden Cabinet (220 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang

Main Actions

Diuretic, clears Excess fluid and removes edema
Tonifies the Spleen Qi
Calms External Wind

Key TCM Concepts

Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang is a 6-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Stephania Roots (Fang Ji) and Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 220 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness. Its main actions are: 1) diuretic, clears Excess fluid and removes edema and 2) tonifies the Spleen Qi.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Oedema or Wind-Damp. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as ascites, edema or rheumatic heart disease for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Oedema
  • Wind-Damp

Common Applications

Ascites Edema Rheumatic heart disease Rheumatoid arthritis Acute glomerulonephritis Lumbar disc disease

Ingredients in Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Fang Ji
Fang Ji

Stephania roots

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Fang Ji releases the Exterior, unblocks the Meridians, promotes urination, expels Dampness and relieves pain. By combining it with Milkvetch root (Huang Qi), the other key herb, they mutually reinforce their Qi tonifying and urination-promoting actions: this alleviates any Edema without injuring the normal Qi.
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Huang Qi
Huang Qi

Milkvetch roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Huang Qi is the principal ingredient in Chinese Medicine for stabilizing the Protective Qi in cases of Deficiency.
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Bai Zhu
Bai Zhu

Atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Bai Zhu strengthens the Spleen and resolves Dampness. It assists Milkvetch root (Huang Qi) in stabilizing the Exterior (Protective Qi) and Stephania root (Han Fang Ji) in resolving the Dampness.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang, it is used because it helps tonify the Spleen.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
Sheng Jiang , together with Jujube dates (Da Zao, the other envoy in this formula), regulate the nutritive and protective Qi to assist in the stabilization of the Exterior and the strengthening of the Qi and Blood.
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Da Zao
Da Zao

Jujube dates

Temperature Warm
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang
In general Da Zao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach Qi. Tonifies the Blood. Calms the Shen (spirit). Moderates the actions of other herbs in formula."
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for Excess type Edema manifesting as nausea, abdominal distention, loose stools, or other Stomach and Intestinal symptoms. Contraindicated when there is an absence of sweating.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.