Fáng Jǐ (防己) — Stephania root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Fáng Jǐ (防己) — Stephania tetrandra / Aristolochia fangchi — is known in English as Stephania root. It belongs to the category of herbs that dispel Wind-Damp and drain water in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Fáng Jǐ 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
| Pinyin name | Fáng Jǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 防己 |
| Latin name | Stephania tetrandra / Aristolochia fangchi |
| English name | Stephania root |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter, acrid |
| Channels entered | Bladder, Lung, Spleen |
| Category | Expel dampness |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Dispels Wind-Damp and relieves painful obstruction
- Promotes urination and reduces oedema
Indications
- Wind-Damp painful obstruction with hot, swollen joints
- Oedema of the lower limbs with Damp accumulation
4. Key formulas containing Fáng Jǐ
Fáng Jǐ is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Two very different plants share this name. Han Fang Ji (Stephania tetrandra) is the intended herb; Guang Fang Ji (Aristolochia fangchi) contains aristolochic acid and caused the Belgian slimming-clinic nephropathy cases after being substituted in error.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
The drastic water-draining herbs Gan Sui, Yuan Hua and Da Ji are classically incompatible with Gan Cao under the Shi Ba Fan, and Ba Dou with Qian Niu Zi. Since Fáng Jǐ is not used in practice, the question does not arise clinically.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Aristolochia-derived Fang Ji is banned and must never be used. Because substitution has repeatedly occurred, Fang Ji is only acceptable with fully verified Stephania sourcing; in practice I avoid it.
Pattern contraindications
No pattern justifies any risk of aristolochic acid exposure.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Fáng Jǐ at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
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.
8. Availability at my clinic
I do not prescribe Fáng Jǐ. Where Wind-Damp or oedema needs treating I use unambiguous alternatives. This page documents the substitution risk.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
