3Han Fang Ji - Stephaniawortel - Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae

Han Fang Ji (Stephania Root) is a cold, bitter, and acrid herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) used to dispel wind-dampness, relieve pain, and promote urination to reduce edema. It comes from the root of Stephania tetrandra and is particularly valued for treating swollen, painful joints caused by wind-damp obstruction, as well as fluid retention from dampness accumulation. Han Fang Ji’s dual action of alleviating joint discomfort and resolving water retention makes it a useful herb in conditions that combine musculoskeletal pain with swelling.

Functies en voordelen

Dispels Wind-Dampness and Relieves Pain
Eases joint swelling, stiffness, and pain from arthritis or rheumatism.

Bevordert urineren en vermindert oedeem
Clears excess fluids from the body, easing leg and ankle swelling.

Clears Heat and Reduces Inflammation
Helpful in hot, swollen joints or urinary discomfort from damp-heat.

Supports Mobility and Circulation
Improves flexibility and reduces heaviness in the limbs.

Indicaties (wie kan er baat bij hebben?)
✔ Individuals with arthritis or rheumatism involving swelling and heat.
✔ People with leg or ankle swelling from dampness.
✔ Those with painful urinary difficulty from damp-heat.
✔ Patients with wind-damp Bi syndrome affecting mobility.

Diagnose van tong en pols in TCM
Tongue: Yellow, greasy coating with possible swelling, indicating damp-heat.
Pulse: Slippery, rapid, or wiry, reflecting damp obstruction and heat.

Verwante TCM-patronen
Wind-Damp Bi Syndrome – Causes swollen, painful joints and reduced mobility.
Damp-Heat Edema – Leads to swelling in the lower body and urinary issues.
Damp Obstruction in the Channels – Produces heaviness and stiffness in the limbs.

Klinische toepassingen (alleen ter referentie)
Arthritis with Swelling – Dispels dampness and eases pain.
Lower Limb Edema – Promotes urination and reduces swelling.
Hot, Painful Joints – Clears heat and inflammation from damp-heat conditions.
Urinary Difficulty – Resolves dampness and improves flow.

Common Herbal Formulas with Han Fang Ji
Often paired with Yi Yi Ren and Cang Zhu for dampness reduction, or with Fang Ji and Du Huo in wind-damp formulas for joint pain.

Voorzorgsmaatregelen en contra-indicaties
Avoid in cases of Yin deficiency or without dampness signs.
Not suitable for individuals with cold-type joint pain.
Use with caution in long-term treatment to avoid excessive fluid depletion.

Aanbevelingen voor levensstijl en dieet
✔ Eat light, dampness-reducing foods such as barley, adzuki beans, and cucumber.
✔ Avoid greasy, fried, and excessively salty foods that promote fluid retention.
✔ Engage in gentle movement to maintain joint flexibility.
✔ Keep joints warm and protected from damp environments.

Conclusie
Han Fang Ji (Stephania Root) is a cold, bitter, acrid herb in TCM that dispels wind-dampness, promotes urination, reduces swelling, and eases joint pain. It is especially useful for arthritis, rheumatism, and edema from damp-heat.