Fang Feng - Ledebouriella root, siler
TCM Materia Medica
Fang Feng TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "fang feng" which in english is 
"ledebouriella root, siler", is categorized within the "herbs that release the exterior wind cold" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the liver, spleen and urinary bladder channels and exhibits sweet (gan) and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 3-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Releases exterior, expel wind-cold (headache, chills, body ache)
- Bi-Syndromes, Wind-Damp, alleviates pain, relieves spasms (not very strong, only as a supporting herb)
- Trembling hands and/or feet
- Spleen/Liver intestinal issues - painful diarrhea, bright blood in stool
- Migraines
Fang Feng has some precautions to be considered (see our precautions list).
- Avoid in Yin Deficiency - Empty Heat
- Avoid in spasms from Blood Deficiency
Fang Feng may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: diarrhea, headache and/or migraines
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, fang feng is generally included in the following 16 formulas:
ViewBi Yan Wan (Nose Inflammation Tablets)
For acute or chronic rhinitis resulting from the combination of lung qi deficiency and phlegm accumulation. Runny nose, sneezing, congestion due to phlegm. Can be used to treat for general cold or …
ViewChuan Xiong Cha Tiao Wan (Ligusticum Tea Pills)
Headaches, primarily from wind-cold (but used with wind-heat/wind-damp), with neck stiffness, muscle aches and/or nasal discharge. In certain cases may be useful for migraines, frequent headaches - …
ViewDan Gui Yin Zi (Tangkuei Decoction)
Exterior wind skin conditions with underlying blood deficiency - eczema (particularly dry and flaky), hives (urticaria), neurodermatitis, psoriasis, dry skin, itchy skin that is generally worse at…
ViewDu Huo Ji Sheng Wan (Solitary Hermit Teapills)
For chronic pain due to obstruction (bi zheng) with liver and kidney deficiency. For lower back pain often with weakness and/or pain in the knees. For arthritis, especially the type affected by col…
ViewFang Feng Tong Sheng Wan (Ledebouriella Pills to Sagely Unblock)
High fever with aversion to cold. Thick phlegm that may be both in sinus and chest. Vertigo or dizziness that is caused by excess heat. Rashes, carbuncles, and other types of skin disorders that…
ViewJing Fang Bai Du Wan (Schizonepeta and Siler Powder to Overcome Pathogenic Influences)
Early stages of disease arising from wind cold damp - common cold, flu, bronchitis, mumps. Early stages of skin diseases - boils, carbuncles, eczema, dermatitis with the right underlying factors. M…
ViewJin Gu Die Da Wan (Tendon and Bone Injury Healing)
Bruising, sprains, swelling from soft tissue injuries. Broken or bruised bones. For post surgery recovery. For any other type of acute trauma to the body.
ViewJuan Bi Wan (Remove Painful Obstruction Decoction)
Wind-cold-damp bi syndromes in qi deficient patients - joint pain possibly with heaviness of the limbs that generally improves with movement. Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis. …
ViewPian Tou Tong Wan (Migraine Pills)
Headaches and/or migraines caused by liver yang or liver fire rising.
ViewShu Jing Huo Xue Wan (Relax The Channels and Invigorate The Blood Decoction)
Primarily used for blood stasis with wind-damp in the channels and collaterals characterized by internal deficiency with external excesses - joint pain, muscle aches, numbness and/or pain in the lowe…
ViewTong Xie Yao Fang Wan (Important Pills for Painful Diarrhea / Calm Wind Pills)
Diarrhea, particularly with abdominal cramping. Diarrhea with alternating constipation.
ViewXian Fang Huo Ming Yin Wan (Immortals Formula For Sustaining Life)
Generally for short-term use with early stage heat toxins - sores, carbuncles, boils, styes, acne. Swollen and painful skin lesions with other heat signs (chills/fever). Breast abscesses, mastitis…
ViewXiao Feng Wan (Clear Wind Pill)
Itchy and red skin lesions, possibly with weeping -psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc. Topical allergic response, dermatitis -poison ivy, oak, sumac. Acute [allergic] edema in the limbs.
ViewXi Guan Jie Bi Tong Wan (Knee Joint Pain Relief)
Arthritis from damp heat in Chinese Medicine terms. Knee issues with kidney and liver systems involvement. Lower body pain and/or inflammation - hips, knees, ankles, toes especially when the pain m…
ViewXin Yi Wan (Magnolia Flower Powder)
Colds and/or allergies with cold signs (white mucus and/or no fever, etc.). Chronic sinus congestions / issues, chronic sinusitis, chronic rhinitis, loss of smell. Headaches from sinus congestion.
ViewYu Ping Feng Wan (Jade Windscreen Formula)
Frequent colds, flus, chronic bronchitis - general low immunity to common infections. Spontaneous sweating, aversion to wind and/or cold. With appropriate diagnosis may be used to treat acute facia…
As noted above, fang feng is within the herbs that release the exterior wind cold functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... many are acrid and warm used when fever is mild, chill severe, headache, body & neck pain, no thirst focus is on the superficial layer of the body and lung precautions: do not overdose herbs that promote sweating – disperses qi too much a…)".
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