Fangji Huangqi Tang: Classic TCM Formula

Name

Fangji Huangqi Tang (Tetrandra and Astragalus Decoction)

Source

The book Jin Kui Yao Lue

Ingredients

• Fang Ji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) 12 g
• Huang Qi (Radix Astragali) 15 g
• Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata) 6 g
• Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) 9 g
• Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) 3 g
• Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) 1 date

Explanation

• Fang Ji is one of the two principal drugs. Bitter and pungent in flavor and slightly cold in nature, it expels wind and removes dampness.
• Huang Qi is the other principal drug. Sweet in flavor and slightly warm in nature, it invigorates qi and consolidates the superficies, removes dampness and subsides swelling.
• Bai Zhu invigorates qi, strengthens the spleen, and promotes the spleen's function in the transportation and transformation of food.
• Gan Cao reinforces the spleen and regulates the stomach, and moderates the actions of all the other ingredients.
• Sheng Jiang and Da Zao harmonize the ying and the wei.

Nature and action

It invigorates qi, expels wind, strengthens the spleen and removes dampness.

Indications

Exterior syndrome of deficiency due to wind edema and a wind-damp pathogen, marked by sweating, aversion to wind, a heavy sensation in the body, dysuria, a pale tongue with a whitish coating, and a floating pulse. It is also applied in diseases carrying these signs and symptoms, such as chronic nephritis, edema due to heart disease, ascites due to cirrhosis, and rheumatic arthritis.

Dosage and administration

Decoct in water and take the decoction in two doses.