Mu Fang Ji Tang — Stephania Decoction
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Overview
Mu Fang Ji Tang — the “Stephania Decoction” — is from Zhang Zhongjing’s Jin Gui Yao Lue. It treats Phlegm-fluid accumulated in the chest with associated Qi-Yang deficiency — what would later be described as the picture of congestive cardiac failure: breathlessness on exertion or at rest, chest oppression, lower-limb oedema, dark complexion, tight epigastrium and a deep wiry pulse. Fang Ji and Shi Gao drain fluid; Gui Zhi warms and circulates Yang in the chest; Ren Shen tonifies Qi to support cardiac function.
I prescribe Mu Fang Ji Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan, always alongside conventional cardiology care.
TCM pattern
Mu Fang Ji Tang is prescribed for Phlegm-fluid in the chest with Qi-Yang deficiency:
- Breathlessness on exertion or at rest
- Chest oppression, possible orthopnoea
- Lower-limb oedema
- Tight epigastric region
- Dark or purplish complexion
- Fatigue
- Tongue — pale or dusky, possibly swollen
- Pulse — deep, wiry, possibly choppy
Key herbs
- Fang Ji (Stephania tetrandra, NOT Aristolochia — han fang ji only, no guang fang ji) — drains Damp; promotes urination; relieves swelling
- Shi Gao — clears Heat (counterbalances warmth, also drains fluid via cooling)
- Gui Zhi — warms; circulates Yang in the chest
- Ren Shen — tonifies Original Qi; supports cardiac function
Formula actions
- Drains Phlegm-fluid; reduces oedema
- Warms and circulates Yang in the chest
- Tonifies Qi
- Relieves breathlessness
Conditions treated
- Congestive heart failure (with conventional cardiology)
- Cor pulmonale with right heart failure (adjunctive)
- Pulmonary hypertension with oedema and breathlessness (adjunctive)
- Pericardial effusion (medical case)
- Idiopathic lower-limb oedema with chest oppression
Cautions
CRITICAL: Fang Ji refers to Stephania tetrandra (han fang ji); Aristolochia fangchi (guang fang ji) is nephrotoxic and carcinogenic and is BANNED. Pharmaceutical-grade Sun Ten product uses only safe Stephania.
Heart failure, cor pulmonale and pulmonary hypertension are serious cardiac conditions requiring conventional cardiology management. Herbs are adjunctive only.
Worsening breathlessness, especially at rest or lying flat, requires urgent medical assessment.
Not appropriate for pure Yin-deficient or Heat patterns.
Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
