Siler (Fang Feng)

防風

Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng)

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Ledebouriellae

Botanical Name: Ledebouriella divaricata (Turcz.) Hiroe

Common Name: Ledebouriella root

Source of Earliest Record: Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used: The root is dug in spring and autumn, dried in the sun, soaked in water and cut into pieces.

Natural Properties & Taste: Pungent, sweet and warm

Meridians: Lung, liver, spleen and urinary bladder

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To release the exterior and expel wind.
2. To expel wind-dampness and alleviate pain.

3. To alleviate spasms.

Indications:
1. Wind-cold exterior syndrome manifested as fever, chills, headache and general pain. Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng) is used with Schizonepeta (Jingjie) and Notopterygium root (Qianghuo).

2. Wind-heat exterior syndrome manifested as fever, sore throat, red eyes and headache. Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng) is used with Schizonepeta (Jingjie), Scuteliaria root (Huangqin), Mentha (Bohe) and Forsythia fruit (Lianqiao).

3. Wind-cold-damp bi syndrome manifested as joint pain (arthritis) and spasms of the limbs. Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng) is used with Notopterygium root (Qianghuo) and Chinese angelica root (Danggui).

4. Urticaria and itching of the skin. Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng) is used with Flavescent sophora root (Kushen) and Cicada slough (Chantui) in the formula Xiaofeng San.

Dosage: 3-10 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should be used with caution for spasms due to blood deficiency, and is contraindicated for cases of deficient yin with heat signs.