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Fu Zi (附子), the prepared lateral root of Aconitum, is the foremost herb for rescuing collapsed (devastated) yang and for powerfully warming and tonifying the yang of the whole body, dispersing cold and relieving pain. It is potent and must be properly prepared.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Aconitum carmichaelii, prepared (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata)
Common English Name
Prepared aconite
Taste
Acrid, sweet
Temperature
Very hot
Channels Entered
Heart, Kidney, Spleen
Actions & Functions
- Rescues devastated yang from collapse (cold limbs, faint pulse)
- Warms and tonifies Kidney and Spleen yang
- Disperses cold and relieves pain (cold painful obstruction)
Indications
Yang collapse with cold limbs, profuse sweating and a faint pulse; Kidney and Spleen yang deficiency with cold, oedema and daybreak diarrhoea; and cold painful obstruction.
Dosage
3-15 g, prepared, decocted first for 30-60 minutes to reduce toxicity.
Common Combinations
With Gan Jiang and Gan Cao (Si Ni Tang) to rescue yang; with Rou Gui to warm Kidney yang.
Cautions & Contraindications
Toxic - use only properly prepared Fu Zi, decocted first; contraindicated in pregnancy and yin deficiency with heat. Classically incompatible with Ban Xia, Gua Lou, Bei Mu, Bai Lian, Bai Ji.
