What are the efficacy and functions of Aconite Root (Fuzi)?
Dec 09, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata), as a commonly used traditional Chinese medicinal herb, has main effects and functions including restoring yang to reverse collapse, reinforcing fire and supporting yang, dispelling cold and relieving pain, warming and unblocking meridians, and promoting yang to transform qi. Fuzi is toxic; therefore, strict adherence to proper processing methods and medical instructions is required during use. Attention must be paid to contraindicated combinations, and self-medication should be avoided to ensure both safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Generally, as a commonly used traditional Chinese herb, Aconite (Fuzi) has various effects and functions, including restoring yang and rescuing from collapse, reinforcing fire and boosting yang, dispelling cold and relieving pain, warming and unblocking meridians, and assisting yang in transforming qi. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Restoring Yang and Rescuing from Collapse: Fuzi has a pungent and hot nature, capable of reviving depleted yang energy in critical conditions. It is suitable for "loss of yang" syndromes characterized by cold limbs, profuse cold sweats, and a nearly undetectable pulse. By stimulating yang energy, it helps alleviate life-threatening symptoms.
2. Reinforcing Fire and Boosting Yang: It effectively warms and replenishes the body's overall yang energy. It is appropriate for conditions caused by yang deficiency, such as sensitivity to cold, cold pain in the lower back and knees, impotence, and uterine coldness. It helps restore the body’s yang energy and improves constitution with deficiency-cold patterns.
3. Dispelling Cold and Relieving Pain: Fuzi excels at eliminating internal cold. It is particularly effective for painful obstruction syndrome due to cold-dampness, such as cold-induced joint pain and limb numbness. By warming and dispersing cold, it reduces pain and relieves discomfort in the limbs.
4. Warming and Unblocking Meridians: It warms and promotes circulation throughout the body's meridians, alleviating problems such as poor limb circulation and dysmenorrhea caused by blood stagnation due to cold. It enhances the flow of qi and blood and improves various discomforts arising from blocked meridians.
5. Assisting Yang in Transforming Qi: Fuzi aids yang energy in metabolizing dampness and fluids. It is indicated for conditions such as edema and oliguria caused by yang deficiency with fluid overflow. By strengthening the propelling function of yang, it promotes the metabolism and elimination of excess dampness.
Fuzi is toxic; therefore, strict adherence to proper processing methods and medical instructions is essential. Attention must be paid to contraindications in herb combinations, and self-medication should be avoided to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
