Understanding Stephania Root In Traditional Chinese Medicine.
What is Stephania root herb?
Stephania tetrandra belongs to the Menispermaceae family, a group of plants known for their medicinal properties. This perennial vine thrives in the central regions of China, particularly in Anhui and Jiangxi provinces.
Historical Uses in TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Stephania root has been utilized for centuries due to its therapeutic properties. It is traditionally known to:
- Treat ailments such as rheumatism and edema
- Dispel Wind, Damp, and Heat from the body
- Support various bodily systems including the musculoskeletal and immune systems
The rich history of Stephania root underscores its significance within TCM practices, demonstrating a time-honored reliance on this herb for maintaining health and treating illness.
Stephania tetrandra is a climbing vine native to China and Taiwan, known in traditional Chinese medicine by the name "Fang Ji." The plant is particularly valued for its root, which has been used in herbal medicine to treat various ailments.
Health Benefits And Uses Of Stephania Root - Fang Ji
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Stephania tetrandra is traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory effects, particularly benefical in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
- Diuretic Effects: The herb is also known to possess diuretic properties, helping to eliminate excess fluid from the body, which can be beneficial in providing relief from edema and reducing swelling.
- Immune System Support: It has been used to support the immune system, potentially helping to fend off certain infections.
- Pain Relief: The root is sometimes used for pain relief, particularly for pain associated with arthritis and other inflammatory conditions.
- Potential Role in Treating Lyme Disease: Offers promise in addressing symptoms associated with this tick-borne illness.
Physical Characteristics
- Appearance: Stephania tetrandra exhibits heart-shaped leaves and produces small, yellowish flowers. The plant can grow up to several meters long, wrapping around nearby structures for support.
- Habitat: It flourishes in moist, shady environments, often found in forests and along riverbanks.
Creating an eye wash from Stephania root (also known as Han Fang Ji or Fen Fang Ji in Traditional Chinese Medicine) requires careful preparation to ensure it is safe and effective. Here is a step-by-step guide: Ingredients:
- Stephania root (dried): 1 teaspoon
- Distilled water: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Saline solution: 1/4 teaspoon of non-iodized salt dissolved in 1 cup (240 ml) of distilled water
- Sterilized jar or container
- Sterile dropper or eye cup
Equipment:
- Mortar and pestle (for grinding the root)
- Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
- Sterilized saucepan
- Boiling water
Steps:
-
Preparation of Stephania Root:
- Use 1 teaspoon of dried Stephania root.
-
Boil the Water:
- In a sterilized saucepan, bring 1 cup of distilled water to a rolling boil.
-
Infuse the Root:
- Add the ground Stephania root to the boiling water. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes.
- Ensure the water doesn't evaporate completely; if needed, add a little more distilled water to maintain the volume.
-
Strain the Mixture:
- After simmering, remove the mixture from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Strain the liquid through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a sterilized jar or container to remove all solid particles. The liquid should be clear and free of debris.
-
Combine with Saline Solution:
- Mix the strained Stephania root infusion with an equal part of saline solution. This helps match the natural salinity of your tears, making the eye wash gentler on your eyes.
-
Sterilize the Eye Wash:
- To ensure the eye wash is sterile, you can boil the mixture again for a few minutes, then let it cool completely in a covered container.
-
Application:
- Use a sterile dropper to place a few drops of the solution into your eyes, or pour it into a sterilized eye cup and use it to rinse your eyes.
- Blink several times to allow the solution to wash over the entire eye surface.
-
Storage:
- Store any remaining solution in a sterilized container in the refrigerator.
- Discard the solution after 24 hours to prevent contamination and always prepare a fresh batch if needed.
Precautions:
- Allergy Test: Always perform a patch test before using the eye wash to ensure you don’t have an allergic reaction to Stephania root.
- Consultation: Consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified herbalist before using any new herbal remedy, especially for sensitive areas like the eyes.
- Sterility: Maintaining sterility throughout the process is crucial to prevent eye infections. Use sterilized equipment and containers.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Common Name: Stephania
Botanical Name: Stephania tetrandra root
Latin Name: Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae
Channels/Meridians: Spleen, Bladder, Kidney
Pin Yin Name: Han Fang Ji, Fang Ji,
Other Names: Radix Stephaniae tetrandrae
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 500 Grams ( 1.1 pounds)
Form: Cut / Slices Not Uniform Sizes
Dosage: Commonly used as an eyewash, or a decoction. It is crucial to carefully adhere to the instructions provided by your doctor regarding the usage of this herb. The appropriate dosage can differ based on factors such as age, weight, existing health conditions, and the specific method employed for administering the herb.
Product Properties: Bitter in taste, Pungent, Acrid and Very Cold
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not take with diuretic medication. If taken to excess may cause vomiting, Tremors, or Convulsions
Naturally Occurring Compounds: Tetrandrine C38H42N2O6, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Triboline
Summary of Stephania Root
Benefits Neuralgia
Supports Urinary Tract
Eases Joint Pain
Promotes Urination
Stephania Tetrandra root combines with:
Astragalus
Long Dan Cao
Cinnamon
Fu Ling
Rhubarb
Licorice Root
Additional Information on Stephania Root
- Stephania root, has been noted in books by S. Buhner, that it may be used as an eye wash. See his books for details, and proper usage.
- This is Han Fang Ji (Fang JI). It is not to be confused with Mu Fang Ji, or Guan Mu Tong - Aristolochiae - which is toxic to the kidneys.
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
- How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes.
- How to make a citrus facial splash
- Cayenne pepper: Caterpillar and aphid spray ( Natural insect repellent )
- Citrus potpourri basket.
About Plum Flower Quality Bulk Cut Herbs
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal herbs and products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides.
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
- Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
- Microbials and heavy metals tested. No preservatives
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.
Disclaimer:
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider for advice specific to your health condition.
Active Compounds: The primary active component in Stephania tetrandra is tetrandrine, which is thought to contribute to its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating effects. This compound has been the subject of research for its potential therapeutic effects.
The historical use of Stephania tetrandra showcases the herb’s integral role in traditional Chinese formulations, particularly those focused on controlling inflammation, managing pain, and regulating bodily fluids. These uses reflect a deep understanding of the plant’s pharmacological actions, which are now being explored through modern scientific research.
References:
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Stephania-Tetrandra-Cid1332
https://nutrawiki.org/stephania/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7180683/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephania_tetrandra
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36809961/
