Quick Facts
| Latin Name | Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata |
|---|
| Chinese Name & Pinyin | 製附子 · Zhi Fu Zi |
|---|
| Medicinal Part | Roots and rhizomes |
|---|
| Efficacy Category | Interior-warming |
|---|
| Botanical Origin | The processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. (Ranunculaceae), prepared by soaking, boiling and rinsing to reduce toxicity. |
|---|
| Nature & Flavour | Acrid, Sweet; Very hot; Toxic if under-processed |
|---|
| Channels Entered | Heart, Kidney, Spleen |
|---|
What Is Zhi Fu Zi?
Zhi Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Accessory Root) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan (Jiangyou) and Shaanxi.
Nature & Flavour: Acrid, Sweet; Very hot; Toxic if under-processed
Channels Entered: Heart, Kidney, Spleen
Zhi Fu Zi: Materia Medica Profile
Identification & Quality Standard
Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata
Botanical Origin
The processed lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx. (Ranunculaceae), prepared by soaking, boiling and rinsing to reduce toxicity.
Production Regions
Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan (Jiangyou) and Shaanxi.
Quality Requirements
Superior medicinal material is thoroughly processed, horny on the fracture, and without a numbing aftertaste when chewed in small amount.
Macroscopic Features
Conical pieces or slices, externally brownish-black to tea-brown; fracture yellowish-white or yellowish-brown, horny and translucent; numb-spicy taste greatly reduced.
Traditional TCM Properties
Acrid, Sweet; Very hot; Toxic if under-processedHeartKidneySpleen
Traditional Functions
Restores devastated yang, warms the kidney and spleen, and disperses cold to relieve pain. Apply to yang collapse, cold limbs, hidden pulse, and cold-damp bi.
Classical Formulas Containing Zhi Fu Zi
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zhi Fu Zi? Are Sheng Fu Zi, Hei Shun Pian, Bai Fu Pian and Chuan Wu the same?
Official Fu Zi is the processed daughter root of Aconitum carmichaelii. The pharmacopoeial name is Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata. Zhi Fu Zi is salt-cured, rinsed and steamed or boiled to reduce toxicity; common slices are Hei Shun Pian, Bai Fu Pian, Dan Fu Pian and Pao Fu Pian. Sheng Fu Zi (raw) is highly toxic and must not be taken internally by lay users. Chuan Wu is the mother root of the same plant—also toxic and separately regulated. Write Zhi Fu Zi, Fu Pian or Dan Fu Pian; use only qualified processed slices; decoct first. It is not a kitchen spice or wellness tea.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Zhi Fu Zi?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Fu Zi is acrid, sweet and very hot; toxic, enters the Heart, Kidney and Spleen channels, and acts to restore Yang and rescue from collapse, tonify fire and assist Yang, and disperse cold to stop pain. It is used for Yang collapse with desertion, cold limbs and faint pulse, impotence and cold uterus, cold pain of the heart and abdomen, deficient-cold vomit-diarrhea, Yin-cold edema, Yang-vacuity external contraction and cold-damp impediment pain. Very hot and toxic, it suits Yin cold and Yang collapse—not Yin vacuity with flaming Yang, excess heat or pregnancy.
How do you choose Hei Shun Pian, Bai Fu Pian and Dan Fu Pian? Why decoct first?
All are processed Fu Zi slices; Dan Fu Pian is co-boiled with licorice and black soybean and has less tongue numbness. Whatever the cut, decoction must boil it first for 30–60 minutes (longer at higher doses) until the liquid has no clear tongue-numbing taste, then add the remaining herbs. Raw Fu Zi, unprocessed material and under-boiled decoction must not be self-administered.
Learn More About Zhi Fu Zi
Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Zhi Fu Zi.
Read the Zhi Fu Zi Guide →
Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.
