Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata
Aliases：Yanfuzi (salt-processed aconite)、Heishunpian (black processed aconite slices)、Baifupian (white processed aconite slices)、Paofupian (processed aconite slices)
Paofuzi (Processed Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) refers to the processed forms of Fuzi (the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx., Ranunculaceae). Common processed specifications include Paofupian (stir‑fried slices), Yanfuzi (salt‑processed), Heifupian (black slices), and Baifupian (white slices).
Efficacy & Actions
Restore Yang for rescuing collapse, supplement fire and assist Yang, dispel cold and relieve pain.
Indications
1. Yang collapse pattern This product can assist Heart Yang in the upper, warm Spleen Yang in the middle, and tonify Kidney Yang in the lower. It is known as the “foremost herb for restoring Yang and rescuing collapse.” 2. Yang deficiency pattern This product is acrid, sweet, warm and energizing. It has the effect of powerfully tonifying the Original Yang (Yuan Yang) and supplementing fire to reduce Yin. It can be used in all cases of Yang qi deficiency in the Kidney, Spleen, and Heart viscera. 3. Cold bi pattern (cold painful obstruction) This product has a strong and active nature. It moves without staying, warming the meridians and unblocking the collaterals, and dispelling wind, cold and dampness from the channels. Therefore, it possesses a strong effect of dispelling cold and relieving pain. It can be used for all cases of wind-cold-dampness bi with pain in the joints and bones throughout the body, and is particularly effective for cold bi with severe pain. 4. Western medical indications corresponding to the above TCM patterns Yang collapse pattern: Cardiogenic shock caused by myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, or heart failure Infectious shock caused by fulminant meningitis, toxic pneumonia, sepsis, etc. Hypovolemic shock (due to massive hemorrhage from digestive or respiratory tract, gynecological or surgical trauma, severe vomiting and diarrhea, or profuse sweating in acute diseases) characterized by Yang collapse Shock from excessive sweating in certain acute conditions presenting as Yang collapse Kidney Yang deficiency pattern: Chronic nephritis, diabetes mellitus, hyperaldosteronism, hypothyroidism, neurasthenia, adrenocortical insufficiency, acute nephritis, nephrotic syndrome Spleen and Stomach Yang deficiency pattern: Acute or chronic gastroenteritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers Cold-dampness stagnation pattern: Rheumatic arthritis, jaundice due to cirrhosis (with cold-dampness retention) Deficiency-cold constipation pattern Dysmenorrhea due to cold stagnation in the uterus (cold lodging in the Uterus)
Modern Pharmacology
Pharmacological Effects of Fuzi (Aconite Root) Cardiotonic effect: Aconite decoction and its water-soluble fraction have a significant cardiotonic effect on the hearts of frogs, toads, and warm-blooded animals, regardless of whether the heart is in a normal or failing state. Anti-arrhythmic effect: Its *n*-butanol extract, ethanol extract, and water extract have a preventive effect against chloroform-induced ventricular fibrillation in mice. Anti-inflammatory effect: Aconite has a marked anti-inflammatory effect. It inhibits egg white, carrageenan, and formaldehyde-induced paw edema in rats, suppresses acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability, and inhibits granuloma formation as well as adjuvant-induced arthritis. Analgesic effect: Mesaconitine, aconitine, and hypaconitine all possess analgesic activity. Anti-aging effect: Recent studies have shown that aconite can enhance the body‘s antioxidant capacity, thereby exhibiting anti-aging effects.
Ingredients
This product contains aconitine, mesaconitine, hypaconitine, isodelphinine, neoline, hordenine, and uracil, among others.
Usage & Dosage
Internal use: 3–15 g in decoction. This product is toxic and should be decocted first for 0.5–1 hour until it no longer produces a tingling, numbing or spicy sensation when tasted.
Contraindications
1. Incompatibilities with other Chinese medicinals (1) Ground beetle (Dichondra repens / Dìdǎn) serves as an envoy (guiding herb) for Fuzi. When combined with Zanthoxyli Pericarpium (Huajiao, Sichuan pepper) and table salt, it directs the action downward to the Gate of Life (Mingmen). (2) Mutually antagonistic (Evil): Fuzi is incompatible with Scolopendra (Wugong, centipede). (3) Mutually fearful (Fear): Fuzi is counteracted by Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), Astragali Radix (Huangqi), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), and Cornu Rhinoceri Asiatici (Xijiao, rhino horn; now prohibited, often substituted). (4) Mutually antagonistic (Antagonism): Fuzi is incompatible with Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia), Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou), Fritillariae Bulbus (Beimu), Ampelopsis Radix (Bailian), and Bletillae Rhizoma (Baiji). 2. Incompatibilities with Western medications (1) Fuzi should not be used together with phentolamine or hexamethonium, as these drugs may block the pressor (blood pressure raising) effect of Fuzi. (2) Propranolol and reserpine can partially block the effects of Fuzi and should not be used concurrently. (3) Fuzi may inhibit the effects of purine-based drugs (e.g., allopurinol, 6-mercaptopurine), and therefore should not be used together. 3. Dietary incompatibilities (1) Fuzi is counteracted by mung beans, Lobelia chinensis (or a type of fern: Liriope spicata? Note: “乌韭” refers to a plant, possibly Stenoloma chusanum; however, in traditional texts, it is often listed as a food taboo. A common translation is “black fern” or “Lobelia.” To avoid ambiguity, translate as “Wu Jiu” with explanation), and children‘s urine (infant urine, an old practice). These should not be taken together with Fuzi. (2) Avoid consuming fermented black bean juice (Douchi juice) and broomcorn millet (Jimi, also known as Panicum miliaceum). (3) Fuzi is incompatible with globefish (pufferfish) (Fugu / river fish). It should not be used together.
Selected Formulas
1.Guizhi Jia Fuzi Decoction (Treatise on Cold Damage): Guizhi Decoction plus one piece of Paofuzi. Indicated for excessive sweating after Taiyang disease, with Yang deficiency manifested as persistent sweating, aversion to wind, dysuria, and mild limb spasms. Fuzi warms the channels and restores Yang, stopping sweating and recovering fluids. 2.Dahuang Fuzi Decoction (Synopsis of the Golden Chamber): Paofuzi combined with Rhubarb (cold and heat used together). Treats cold hernia pain; clinically can be modified with Toosendan fructus, Corydalis, Fennel, Citrus seed. 3.Guizhi Fuzi Decoction (Zhang Zhongjing’s formula): Paofuzi with Cinnamomum for joint pain caused by wind-cold-dampness obstruction, especially severe cold bi pain. Fuzi with Baizhu expels water qi from the skin; with furnace soil warms the spleen Yang. 4.Fuzi Cangmi Decoction (Shizhai Baiyi Xuanfang): One piece of Paofuzi, half liang each of Ginseng, Licorice, Pinellia, Astragalus, Baizhu. Tonifies deficiency, generates stomach qi, expels cold phlegm, harmonizes viscera. Indicated for spleen-stomach deficiency-cold, inability to eat, persistent diarrhea. 5.Modified Fuzi Lizhong Decoction (modern): Paofuzi 3g, Paojiang 5g, stir-fried Baizhu 10g, Saposhnikovia 6g, Yizhiren 6g, Jujube 10g. Combined with probiotics for infantile persistent diarrhea with good efficacy. 6.Fuzi Liuyi Decoction (Zhengzhi Baojian): Paofuzi 3g, Coptis 18g. Both are soaked and stir‑fried together, then the Fuzi is removed. The properties are used to counteract the bitter‑cold stomach‑damaging effect of Coptis. Indicated for long‑standing heart pain due to cold‑heat complex.
Daily Consumption
Fuzi Mutton Soup Actions: Warm and unblock the channels and collaterals; supplement and nourish qi and blood. Suitable population: This soup primarily focuses on warming and unblocking the channels. It is particularly beneficial for those with rheumatoid joint cold pain or “old cold legs” (chronic cold sensation and pain in the lower limbs that worsens upon cold exposure), helping to alleviate such pain. Preparation method: Ingredients: 250g mutton (or lamb), 10g Paofuzi (processed Aconite root). Directions: Cut the mutton into pieces. Place the mutton and Paofuzi in a clay pot and add an adequate amount of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. Consume both the soup and the meat. Important safety note: Paofuzi contains aconitine alkaloids. It must be properly processed and thoroughly decocted (for at least 1.5 hours) to reduce toxicity. This recipe should be used under the guidance of a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Do not increase the dosage or take for prolonged periods without supervision. Contraindicated during pregnancy and for individuals with yin deficiency and hyperactive yang.
Medicinal Parts
Lateral root
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place. For salt-processed Fuzi (Yanfuzi), keep in airtight containers.