Fang feng (防风) / siler

Saposhnikovia divaricata

Chinese

Photo credit: Urgamal Magsar

Safety information

Toxicity: Low at traditional doses.

Contraindications: Yin-deficiency / wind from blood deficiency patterns (TCM).

Interactions: None well documented.

Evidence level

Preclinical

Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.

Preparations

in formula (Yu Ping Feng San; Jing Fang formulas) · root

Part used: root

Evidence:Traditional (systematized)

decoction · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: releases the exterior, expels wind, dispels dampness, relieves pain and spasm; wind-cold/wind-damp colds, headache, body aches, itching

Proposed mechanism: chromones (prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, cimifugin) and coumarins — antipyretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory

Evidence:Preclinical

General preparation guide →

Associated conditions

Eczema / dermatitis body aches Common cold Headache

Nutritional notes

n/a

Healing traditions

Chinese

Sources (1)

[E22] Saposhnikovia divaricata ethnopharmacological/phytochemical/pharmacological review

All sources →