Chinese medicine Bai Fuzi is the dried rhizome of the Araceae plant Aconitum carmichaeli, which is similar in appearance to taro. Although it is often referred to as Fu Zi and Bai Fu Zi, they are actually not the same thing and have significant differences. Let's take a look at the differences between Fu Zi and Bai Fu Zi.
Image of Fu Zi
1. Fu Zi
Fu Zi is a processed product of the tuberous root (rhizome) of the Ranunculaceae plant Aconitum carmichaeli. It is also known as Yan Fu Zi, Bai Fu Pian, and Hei Shun Pian. It has a pungent and sweet taste, a strong hot nature, and is toxic.
Effects: Replenishes Yang and reverses Yang deficiency, strengthens fire and assists Yang, dispels cold and dampness, activates meridians and relieves pain. It is mainly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as excessive Yin and deficient Yang, chronic diseases with Yang deficiency, wind-cold-damp bi-syndrome, Yin ulcers and swelling, etc. This herb contains various alkaloids such as aconitine and mesaconitine.
Fu Zi can be used to treat myocardial ischemia, hypoxia, and shock resistance. When used in small doses, it has a pressor effect. When used in large doses, it initially lowers blood pressure and then raises it. It also has similar effects to isoproterenol, such as enhancing myocardial contractility, accelerating heart rate, and promoting sinoatrial and atrioventricular conduction.
Toxicity: Fu Zi itself has a considerable level of toxicity, so it must be taken according to scientific methods.
If you want to reduce the toxicity of Fu Zi, you need to boil it in boiling water at about 120 degrees Celsius for forty minutes, so that the toxicity can be reduced to a level that the body can tolerate.
Also, the toxicity of Fu Zi is different at room temperature and cold weather. In general, colder temperatures are believed to reduce the toxicity of Fu Zi.
Image of Bai Fu Zi
2. Bai Fu Zi
Bai Fu Zi is the rhizome of the Araceae plant Acorus tatarinowii. It is also known as Yu Bai Fu and Ji Xin Bai Fu. It has a pungent and sweet taste, a warm nature, and is toxic.
Effects: Expels wind and phlegm, detoxifies and disperses masses, relieves pain, and promotes meridian circulation.
It is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat conditions such as facial paralysis after stroke, epilepsy, hemiplegia, facial nerve paralysis, infantile convulsions, tetanus, one-sided headache, scrofula, tuberculosis, etc.
Toxicity: Bai Fu Zi is a toxic herb, mainly manifested in its strong irritative effect on the skin and mucous membranes.
Therefore, when using Bai Fu Zi for external application masks or self-made Qibai powder, it is necessary to test the skin for any discomfort before using it without obvious adverse symptoms. Prolonged use should also be avoided.
If taken internally, it should be taken in small quantities, and when decocted, it should be controlled within the range of 3-6 grams. Of course, due to its toxicity, Bai Fu Zi is not suitable for pregnant women.
