Tetrandra and Astragalus Decoction fang ji huang qi tang
[SOURCE]: Synopsis of prescriptions from the Golden Chamber
[INGREDIENTS]: Tetrandra root 12g, Astragalus 15g, Roasted licoriec root 6g, Bighead atractylodes rhizome 9g, Fresh ginger 4 pcs, Chinese date 1 pea.
[DIRECTIONS]:Decoct all the above herbs in water for oral administration.
[EFFECTS]: Replenishing qi and dispelling wind, invigorating the spleen and diuresis.
[INDICATIONS]:Wind-edema or wind-dampness syndrome manifested by perspiration, aversion to wind, tired body, oliguria, pale tongue with white coating and floating pulse.
[ANALYSIS OF FORMULA]:It is a common formula for treatment of wind-edema or wind-dampness syndrome belonging to exterior deficiency. Tetrandra root in the formula dispels wind, induces diuresis, removes dampness and stops pain, Astragalus is used in large dose to replenish qi, consolidate the exterior, promote diuresis and relieve edema. The combination of these two herbs results in invigorating the genuine-qi to eliminate the evil-qi. They act as principal herbs. Bighead atractylodes rhizome as an assistant herb strengthens the spleen and excretes dampness, assists tetrandra root in promoting diuresis and astragalus in consolidating the exterior. Fresh ginger and Chinese date acting as adjuvant herbs harmonize nutrient-qi and defense-qi, invigorate the spleen and regulate the stomach. Roasted licorice root is used as dispatcher herbs with the effects of replenishing qi, strengthening the spleen and moderating other herbs.
This formula is often used for chronic nephritic edema, it is often used with Poria Powder with Five Herbs.
Today this formula is usually used for acute or chronic nephritis, cardiac edema, rheumatic arthritis and nephrotic syndrome manifested as wind-edema or wind-dampness syndrome.