Chuan Fang Feng is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for eliminating dampness. It is also known as Zhu Jie Fang Feng, Mao Qian Hu, and Xi Feng. It is the root of a short-split straw plant and is mainly produced in Sichuan and Guizhou provinces. It has the function of dispelling wind and eliminating dampness. Let's learn about the efficacy and functions of Chuan Fang Feng below!
【Morphological Characteristics of Chuan Fang Feng】
Chuan Fang Feng, also known as Zhu Jie Fang Feng, Mao Qian Hu, or Xi Feng, is the root of a short-split straw plant, mainly produced in Sichuan and Guizhou provinces. The dried root is cylindrical and slightly curved, with some branches, measuring 15-30 cm in length and 0.6-1.5 cm in diameter.
The surface is grayish-brown or brownish-brown. The top of the root often has remnants of stems, and there are annular leaf scars. The root has longitudinal wrinkles, clustered wart-like protrusions, and supporting root scars.
It is lightweight and hard, with a pale yellowish-white color on the cross-section, without fleshiness, mostly fibrous. It has a mild aroma and a spicy taste. Dried, without fine tail roots, is considered the best. It is used as Fang Feng in Sichuan.
【Efficacy and Functions of Chuan Fang Feng】
1. Fang Feng is used to treat tetanus, with the function of dispelling wind and stopping spasms, but it is often used in combination with Tian Nan Xing, Tian Ma, Bai Fu Zi, and other drugs.
2. Fang Feng is used to release the surface and dispel wind, both dispelling wind-cold and dispersing wind-heat. It has a similar effect to Jing Jie, so the two herbs are often used together.
3. Fang Feng can dispel wind and dampness and relieve pain. It is often used in combination with Qiang Huo, Fang Ji, and other herbs to treat rheumatism and pain.
4. Fang Feng has hemostatic and astringent properties. It is often used in combination with Bai Shao, Bai Zhu, Chen Pi, and other herbs for abdominal pain and diarrhea. If used for rectal bleeding or excessive menstruation, it is generally stir-fried with charcoal.
【Prescriptions and Applications of Chuan Fang Feng】
Fang Feng is used to treat unilateral headache that persists for a long time, heat and dampness damaging the eyes, and incessant headache.
Chuan Xiong 15g, Chai Hu 35g, Huang Lian (stir-fried), Fang Feng (without stem) and Qiang Huo, each 50g, Zhi Gan Cao 75g, and Huang Qin 15g (peeled, crushed, half processed with alcohol, half stir-fried).
Grind the above ingredients into fine powder, take 10g per dose, mix with a little tea in a cup, adjust the water into a paste, and apply it in the mouth. Take a small amount of plain water to swallow. Before going to bed, if there is severe headache, add 1g of Xi Xin per dose.
