Zhi Fu Zi – Prepared Aconite Root – Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata

Zhi Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Root) is a hot, acrid, and toxic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), strongly used to restore devastated Yang, warm the interior, and rescue collapsed Qi. It is the processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaeli and one of the most powerful Yang-warming herbs in the TCM pharmacopeia. Zhi Fu Zi is frequently used for cold extremities, weak pulse, collapse after illness, Yang deficiency, and severe cold pain syndromes.
Only the processed form (Zhi Fu Zi) is used internally, as raw Fu Zi is highly toxic. Proper decoction and expert supervision are essential when using this herb.
Functions & Benefits
Revives Devastated Yang and Rescues Collapse• Used in cases of severe Yang collapse with cold limbs, faint pulse, profuse sweating, and shock• Commonly applied in post-surgical or post-infectious collapse with weak heart function• Often combined with Qi and Blood tonics to support recovery
Warms the Fire and Assists the Yang• Strengthens Heart, Kidney, and Spleen Yang in chronic fatigue, cold intolerance, and weakness• Treats symptoms such as cold limbs, edema, shortness of breath, and urinary difficulty• Used in infertility, impotence, and water retention due to Kidney Yang deficiency
Disperses Cold, Warms the Channels, and Alleviates Pain• Relieves deep cold-induced pain in joints, abdomen, or limbs• Useful for arthritis, cold Bi syndrome, menstrual cramps, and abdominal colic• Opens the channels and revives circulation in cold, damp conditions
Indications (Who Can Benefit from It?)✔ Individuals with collapse signs: cold limbs, weak or imperceptible pulse, faintness✔ People with chronic cold pain, joint stiffness, or cold-type menstrual cramps✔ Patients with low back pain, frequent urination, or fatigue due to Kidney Yang deficiency✔ Those with diarrhea, bloating, or poor appetite from Spleen Yang deficiency✔ Individuals recovering from long illness, blood loss, or trauma with severe cold signs
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCMTongue: Pale, swollen, moist with white coating (Yang deficiency or collapse)Pulse: Deep, minute, or faint (Yang collapse), or slow and weak (cold and deficiency)
Related TCM PatternsDevastated Yang Collapse – Sweating, shock, cold body, imperceptible pulseKidney Yang Deficiency – Cold back, impotence, edema, weak urinationSpleen Yang Deficiency – Diarrhea, bloating, cold limbs, poor digestionCold Bi Syndrome – Cold pain in joints and limbs that improves with warmthCold Obstruction – Abdominal pain, colic, or menstrual cramps relieved by heat
Clinical Applications (For Reference Only)Post-Surgical Collapse – Restores Yang and supports cardiovascular recoveryChronic Fatigue Syndrome – Treats profound cold-type exhaustion and Yang depletionArthritis with Cold-Damp – Warms joints and improves stiffness and painHeart Failure or Bradycardia (TCM view) – Warms and supports Heart YangChronic Kidney Deficiency – Aids fluid metabolism and adrenal-style weakness
Common Herbal Formulas with Zhi Fu Zi• Shen Fu Tang – For Yang collapse with weak pulse and cold extremities• Si Ni Tang – For severe cold in the limbs and internal cold diarrhea• Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan – Classic for Kidney Yang deficiency with cold and edema• You Gui Wan – For deep Yang deficiency with fatigue and reproductive weakness• Wu Tou Tang – For painful obstruction due to cold-damp Bi syndrome
Precautions & ContraindicationsAlways use in processed (Zhi) form; raw Fu Zi is toxic and not for internal useMust be decocted for at least 60–120 minutes to reduce toxicityNot suitable for Yin deficiency with internal heat or true heat conditionsAvoid in pregnancy and in patients with signs of dryness, heat, or constipationDosage must be strictly controlled; overdose may cause numbness, arrhythmia, or cardiac failure
Lifestyle & Dietary Recommendations✔ Eat warming, Yang-supporting foods like lamb, ginger, leeks, and black beans✔ Avoid raw or cold foods that damage digestive fire and worsen Yang deficiency✔ Keep the lower back, feet, and abdomen warm, especially during cold seasons✔ Get sufficient rest and avoid overexertion when rebuilding Yang Qi
ConclusionZhi Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Root) is the premier Yang-rescuing herb in TCM. It powerfully restores Yang in life-threatening collapse, chronic cold syndromes, and pain conditions caused by cold-damp obstruction. Its toxicity requires expert use, but in the right clinical context, it is one of the most life-supporting and transformative herbs in Chinese medicine.