Herbal Information on Stephania Root in Powder Form
What Is Stephania Root?
Stephania Tetrandra, known as Han Fang Ji (汉防己) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a root derived from the Stephania tetrandra plant. This herb has been utilized for centuries in TCM for its potent medicinal properties, particularly in treating conditions related to wind, dampness, and heat.
Characteristics of Stephania Tetrandra Root in TCM
- Nature: Cold
- Flavor: Bitter and Acrid
- Meridian Channels: Spleen, Bladder, and Kidney
- Primary Functions: Dispels wind, clears heat, promotes urination, reduces swelling
Key Functions and Health Benefits of Stephania Tetrandra Root
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Stephania Tetrandra root is well-known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. It is commonly used to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with conditions such as arthritis and gout. Its ability to clear heat and dispel wind makes it particularly effective for inflammatory conditions that are exacerbated by heat and stagnation in the body.
2. Edema and Water Retention
One of the primary uses of Stephania Tetrandra root in TCM is to promote urination and reduce water retention. It is especially effective in treating edema, which is the swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in the body’s tissues. By promoting urination, Stephania Tetrandra helps eliminate excess fluids and toxins, thereby reducing swelling and discomfort.
3. Pain Relief
Stephania Tetrandra root is valued for its analgesic properties, making it a popular choice for relieving pain. It is often used to treat headaches, migraines, and muscle aches. The herb works by alleviating pain and reducing inflammation, providing relief for various pain-related conditions.
4. Immune Support
Stephania Tetrandra root has immune-boosting properties, which can help the body resist infections and diseases. It supports the immune system by clearing heat and dampness, thereby improving the body’s overall resistance to illnesses.
5. Hypertension
Stephania Tetrandra root is sometimes used support normalizing blood pressure. It is believed to help lower blood pressure by promoting the dilation of blood vessels and improving blood flow, which can help manage and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
6. Respiratory Health
In TCM, Stephania Tetrandra root supports respiratory conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, and chronic cough. Its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties help to clear mucus, reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract, and ease breathing difficulties.
7. Detoxification
Stephania Tetrandra root aids in detoxification by promoting urination and eliminating toxins from the body. This detoxifying effect helps cleanse the system, improving overall health and reducing the burden on the liver and kidneys.
8. Reducing Joint Pain and Swelling
The herb is also effective in reducing joint pain and swelling, particularly in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Its ability to expel wind and dampness makes it a suitable remedy for joint and muscle pain that is aggravated by cold and damp conditions.
How Stephania Root Helps with Lyme Disease
Stephania Root, derived from the Stephania tetrandra plant, is commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for its various therapeutic properties. It offers several potential benefits for individuals dealing with Lyme disease, a complex condition caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Lyme disease can manifest with a wide range of symptoms, including inflammation, joint pain, neurological issues, and fatigue. Here’s how Stephania Root may help manage Lyme disease symptoms:
1. Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Stephania Root is known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce the inflammation commonly associated with Lyme disease. Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of Lyme disease, often leading to joint pain and swelling. By mitigating inflammation, Stephania Root can alleviate pain and improve overall comfort for those affected by the disease.
2. Pain Relief
Lyme disease often causes significant pain, including headaches, muscle aches, and joint pain. Stephania Root has analgesic properties that help relieve these pains. It works by reducing inflammation and swelling, which are primary sources of pain in Lyme disease patients. This can enhance mobility and improve the quality of life for those suffering from chronic pain due to Lyme disease.
3. Immune Support
Stephania Root has immune-modulating properties, which means it can help support and regulate the immune system. For individuals with Lyme disease, whose immune systems are often compromised or overactive due to the infection, Stephania Root can help balance immune responses. This modulation can assist in reducing autoimmune reactions and enhancing the body’s ability to fight the infection more effectively.
4. Detoxification
Lyme disease treatment often involves the use of antibiotics or other therapies that can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body. Stephania Root promotes detoxification by enhancing the elimination of these toxins through urine. This detoxifying effect can help cleanse the system, reduce the burden on the liver and kidneys, and improve overall health and recovery rates.
5. Reduction of Neurological Symptoms
One of the severe complications of Lyme disease is neurological symptoms, such as neuropathy, cognitive dysfunction, and brain fog. Stephania Root may help alleviate some of these symptoms due to its anti-inflammatory effects and its ability to support nervous system health. By reducing inflammation in the nervous system, Stephania Root can help improve cognitive function and reduce symptoms like brain fog and neuropathic pain.
6. Joint Health and Mobility
Lyme disease frequently leads to arthritis-like symptoms, including joint pain and reduced mobility. Stephania Root’s ability to expel dampness and wind, as described in TCM, makes it effective in relieving joint pain and stiffness. By improving joint health and enhancing mobility, Stephania Root can help Lyme disease patients regain a better range of motion and reduce discomfort.
7. Enhancement of Circulation
Good circulation is essential for delivering nutrients and immune cells throughout the body and for detoxifying tissues. Stephania Root supports healthy circulation, which can aid in the recovery process by ensuring that all parts of the body receive adequate blood flow, nutrients, and immune support. This can be particularly beneficial for Lyme disease patients, who often experience symptoms related to poor circulation and inflammation.
8. Support for Co-Infections
Lyme disease is often accompanied by co-infections, which can complicate treatment and worsen symptoms. Stephania Root has antimicrobial properties that may help in managing these co-infections. Its broad-spectrum activity against various pathogens can provide additional support to the body in fighting off infections that are often concurrent with Lyme disease.
How to Use Stephania Tetrandra Root
The dried root can be ground into a powder and taken as a supplement. This allows for more convenient consumption and precise dosage control.
Extracts and Capsules
Stephania Tetrandra root is available in extract or capsule form for convenient consumption. This is a modern adaptation that fits well with today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Common Name: Stephania, Radix Stephaniae tetrandrae
Botanical Name: Stephania tetrandra root
Pin Yin Name: Han Fang Ji, Fang Ji,
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 500 Grams ( 1.1 pounds)
Form: Powder -fine grind
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. May interfere with other medications.
Summary on Stephania Root
- Has been noted in books by S. Buhner, that it may be used as an eye wash
- Immune Support
- Anti-inflammatory effects
- Provides detoxification
- Benefits the respiratory system
- Promotes urination
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.
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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.
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Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
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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.
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/
"Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria" by Stephen Harrod Buhner
Healing Lyme: Natural Healing And Prevention of Lyme Borreliosis And Its Co-infections" by Stephen Harrod Buhner
Lyme Disease: Why an Antibiotic Treatment Is Not Enough - The Truth about Chronic Lyme" by Dr. Alan B. MacDonald
Lyme Disease and Modern Chinese Medicine: The TCM Approach to Lyme Disease and Its Many Coinfections" by QingCai Zhang
Beyond Lyme Disease: Healing the Underlying Causes of Chronic Illness in People with Borreliosis and Co-Infections" by Connie Strasheim
2 Reviews
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Excellent herb for arthritis pain
Stephania Tetrandra is an excellent herb to use for arthritis pain in both humans and animals. This herb can be used long term for hip dysplysia, arthritis or pain from Lyme disease and will combat spirochete bacteria. Some side effects may occur in individuals such as constipation which can be corrected with effervescent Vitamin C. Some weight loss may occur in animals and people when used long term. Excellent for pain in dogs and horses -used in Veterinary medicine in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine). I have used this herb extensively for pain, it also has heart & kidney protective properties,. Considered a Calcium Channel Blocker.
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Excellent Herb for Pain & more
Stephania Tetrandra has shown immediate improvement in Pain for Lyme Arthritis & other causes of Arthritis, Canine pain (hip dysplysia & immune system disfunction) and a canine heart condition. Also in humans-Myasthenia Gravis has responded favorably-either because it causes other medications used to be more effective and/or is probably killing spirochetes that originally caused the disease. I can not recommend it enough for many unknown causes of pain or fatigue or for Bacterial Infections such as Lyme.
