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Fang Feng (防風), the root of Saposhnikovia (‘guard against wind’), releases the exterior and expels wind, dispels wind-damp to relieve painful obstruction, and relieves spasm; a gentle, versatile wind herb.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Saposhnikovia divaricata (Radix Saposhnikoviae)
Common English Name
Siler / Saposhnikovia root
Taste
Acrid, sweet
Temperature
Slightly warm
Channels Entered
Bladder, Liver, Spleen
Actions & Functions
- Releases the exterior and expels wind
- Dispels wind-damp and relieves painful obstruction
- Relieves spasm (and helps stop diarrhoea from Liver-Spleen disharmony)
Indications
Wind-cold or wind-heat exterior patterns; wind-damp painful obstruction with aching joints; and tetany, spasm or trembling from wind.
Dosage
4.5-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Jing Jie for wind; with Huang Qi and Bai Zhu (Yu Ping Feng San) to secure the exterior.
Cautions & Contraindications
Avoid in yin deficiency with heat and in spasm from blood deficiency.
