Fourstamen Stephania Root Classic Formulas

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Dispels wind-damp and alleviates painful obstruction - Han Fang Ji is especially valued for red, swollen, heavy, painful joints when damp-heat predominates in the channels.
Promotes urination and reduces edema - it is used for lower-body swelling, difficult urination, and damp accumulation in the lower burner.
Clears damp-heat from the skin and limbs - traditional use extends to eczema, damp sores, and painful swollen feet or legs.

Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang - classic edema and wind-damp formula in which Fang Ji promotes urination while relieving painful heaviness.
Fang Ji Fu Ling Tang - water-damp formula lineage that uses Fang Ji for edema and difficult urination.
Xuan Bi Tang - damp-heat bi formula that highlights Fang Ji for hot, swollen, painful joints.

TCM Wiki describes Fang Ji as bitter, pungent, and cold, entering the Liver, Kidney, and Bladder to dispel wind-damp, relieve pain, clear heat, and induce diuresis.
Classical formula commentary repeatedly places Fang Ji in both edema formulas and damp-heat bi formulas, especially when heaviness and swelling are prominent.
Modern materia medica standards emphasize Fen Fang Ji / Stephania tetrandra as the authentic source and warn against aristolochia substitution.