Fù Zǐ (附子) — Prepared Aconite root / Processed Monkshood
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Fù Zǐ (附子) — Aconitum carmichaelii (processed) — is known in English as Prepared Aconite root / Processed Monkshood. It belongs to the category of Herbs that warm the Interior in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Fù Zǐ as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs 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 | Fù Zǐ |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 附子 |
| Latin name | Aconitum carmichaelii (processed) |
| English name | Prepared Aconite root / Processed Monkshood |
| Nature | hot |
| Flavour | acrid, sweet |
| Channels entered | Heart, Kidney, Spleen |
| Category | Herbs that warm the Interior |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Rescues devastated Yang and prevents collapse — the most powerful Yang-rescuing herb in Chinese medicine
- Tonifies the fire of the Ming Men — the root Yang of the body
- Disperses Cold and relieves pain throughout all channels
- Warms the Spleen and Kidney Yang and stops diarrhoea
Indications
- Yang collapse — cold extremities, profuse sweating, faint pulse and shock
- Kidney Yang deficiency — impotence, infertility, lower back pain and cold limbs
- Spleen and Kidney Yang deficiency — chronic diarrhoea and oedema
- Cold painful obstruction Bi syndrome — arthritis and joint pain from Cold
- Heart Yang deficiency — palpitations, chest pain and breathlessness from Cold
4. Key formulas containing Fù Zǐ
Fù Zǐ appears in the following key formulas:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Processed Aconite (Fu Zi) is the most powerful Yang-warming herb in the Chinese Materia Medica and requires careful processing to reduce toxicity. It is the processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii. Processing converts highly toxic aconitine to less toxic benzoylaconine and aconine. Key bioactive constituents include alkaloids (aconitine, mesaconitine, hypaconitine, benzoylaconine). Research confirms significant cardiotonic effects (positive inotrope), vasodilatory action, anti-inflammatory effects, anti-arrhythmic properties at therapeutic doses, and powerful analgesic effects. Fu Zi combined with Gan Jiang (Si Ni Tang) is the most important emergency Yang-rescue formula. Combined with Rou Gui and other Yang tonics (You Gui Wan), it forms the most powerful Kidney Yang tonification combination.
6. Cautions and contraindications
MUST be properly processed before use — raw aconite is highly toxic and potentially fatal. Only use from pharmaceutical-grade processed sources (Zhi Fu Zi). Must be decocted for at least 60 minutes in raw herb decoctions to ensure detoxification. Contraindicated in pregnancy, Yin deficiency with Heat, and all excess Heat patterns. Not compatible with Ban Xia, Bai Ji, Bei Mu, Bai Lian or Bai Fu Zi (classical incompatibilities). Should only be prescribed by an experienced, registered herbalist.
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 Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Fù Zǐ as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Fertility, Male infertility, Chronic fatigue syndrome, Menopausal symptoms. 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. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
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