Bai Fu Zi白附子
Typhonii Rhizoma · Typhonium Rhizome · Giant Typhonium Tuber
Overview
A toxic herb. Acrid, sweet and warm, it dries damp, breaks up wind-phlegm and stops spasm, and it has a traditional reputation for travelling to the head and face — which is why it anchors formulas for facial paralysis and deviation of the mouth and eye. Despite the name it is unrelated to Fu Zi (aconite). Only the processed rhizome, Bai Fu Zi, is given internally; the raw material is restricted to external use, and everything about this herb depends on a practitioner's prescription and supervision.
Nature & Flavor
Acrid, sweet · Warm · ToxicChannels
Stomach · LiverTypical Dosage
3–6 g in decoction, processed onlyActions
3 core actions
- Dries damp, transforms phlegmCopious sticky phlegm with dizziness and a heavy head where wind and phlegm are combined.
- Dispels wind, stops spasmFacial paralysis with deviation of the mouth and eye, facial tics and lockjaw — classically with Jiang Can and Quan Xie.
- Disperses nodules, relieves painExternal use on scrofulous nodules, snakebite and stubborn swellings, prepared by the dispensary.
In Formulas
Formulas containing Bai Fu Zi
Indications & Clinical Uses
- Facial paralysis with deviation of the mouth and eye
- Wind-phlegm headache and dizziness
- Facial tics and spasm, under close supervision
- Nodules and swellings, as an external preparation
Western Medical Keywords
Searchable condition terms
Contraindications
Cautions
Bai Fu Zi is toxic. The raw rhizome is irritating to the mouth, throat and gut and is for external use only; internally, only the processed form is dispensed, inside 3–6 g a day, decocted, and never self-prescribed. It is inappropriate where wind arises from yin or blood deficiency, and where phlegm is hot rather than cold. Stop and seek advice at any numbness, burning of the mouth or throat, nausea or palpitations.
Contraindicated in pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only
References
- Bensky, Clavey & Stöger. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica, 3rd ed.
2. 《中华人民共和国药典》.
3. 《中华本草》.
Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.