Pharmaceutical Name

Radix Ledebouriellae

Botanical Name

Ledebouriella divaricata (Turcz.) Hiroe

Common Name

Ledebouriella root

Source of Earliest Record

Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations

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

Properties & Taste

Pungent, sweet and warm

Meridians

Lung, liver, spleen and urinary bladder

Functions

1. To release the exterior and expel wind; 2. To expel wind-dampness and alleviate pain; 3. To alleviate spasms

Indications & Combinations

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.