Fáng Fēng (防风) — Siler Root (Saposhnikovia)

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Fáng Fēng (防风) — Saposhnikovia divaricata — is known in English as Siler root / Saposhnikovia root. Its Chinese name means literally “guard against Wind” — a direct statement of its primary therapeutic role. It belongs to the category of Herbs that release the Exterior and expel Wind in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Fáng Fēng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Releases the Exterior and expels Wind — effective for both Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat
2. Expels Wind-Dampness and alleviates pain — Bi syndrome and rheumatic conditions
3. Expels internal Wind and relieves spasm — tremor, tetanus and convulsions
4. Alleviates itching from Wind in the skin
5. Used to harmonise other herbs and guide them to the exterior

Indications

1. Common cold with headache, body aches and nasal congestion from Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat invasion
2. Headache from Wind invasion — particularly occipital headache
3. Rheumatic joint pain from Wind-Dampness Bi syndrome — pain that moves around the body
4. Skin conditions with itching driven by Wind — urticaria, eczema and allergic reactions
5. Tremor and internal Wind patterns
6. Allergies and hay fever from Wei Qi deficiency
7. Diarrhoea from Liver overacting on Spleen — the classical Tong Xie Yao Fang pattern

4. Key formulas containing Fáng Fēng

Fáng Fēng appears in the following key formulas:

• Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder) — the core formula for Wei Qi deficiency with recurrent colds and allergies; Fang Feng is the exterior-releasing complement to Huang Qi’s consolidating action
• Tong Xie Yao Fang (Painful Diarrhoea Essential Formula) — for IBS with stress-triggered diarrhoea; Fang Feng soothes the Liver-Spleen pattern
• Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San — for headache from Wind invasion

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Saposhnikovia divaricata (Fang Feng) has been the subject of growing pharmacological research. Key bioactive constituents include chromones (cimifugin, prim-O-glucosylcimifugin), coumarins (imperatorin, anomalin) and polyacetylenes. Research demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of NF-κB and COX-2 pathways — consistent with its classical use for painful Bi syndrome and allergic conditions. Cimifugin has documented antipyretic, analgesic and antispasmodic effects. Fang Feng polysaccharides have immunomodulatory properties, supporting the formula Yu Ping Feng San’s documented effects on immune function and susceptibility to respiratory infection. Clinical research on Yu Ping Feng San confirms reduced frequency of upper respiratory tract infections in Wei Qi deficient patients and improvement in allergic rhinitis symptoms.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in Yin deficiency patterns with interior Heat, as the warm, dispersing nature can aggravate these conditions. Avoid in patterns without an exterior Wind component. Generally very safe and well-tolerated at standard doses.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Fáng Fēng as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Allergies, Irritable bowel syndrome, Headaches, Rheumatic pain. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

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