Han Fangji Wan: Treating Xiao-ke (Wasting-Thirst) with Edema
“Han Fangji Wan” comes from the Taiping Shenghuifang (in the Shengji Zonglu it is called simply Fangji Wan). It is composed of: Han Fangji (Han Aristolochia/Stephania root) seven qian five fen (22.5 g), Zhuling (Polyporus) seven qian five fen (22.5 g), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes root) one liang (30 g), Chifuling (Red Poria) one liang (30 g), Sangbaipi (Morus root bark) one liang five qian (45 g), Baizhu (Atractylodes) five qian (15 g), Xingren (Apricot kernel) five fen (1.5 g, soaked in water, peeled, tip and double kernels removed, stir-fried with bran until slightly yellow), Yuliren (Bush cherry seed) one liang five qian (45 g, soaked in water, peeled, lightly stir-fried), Tinglizi (Descurainia seed) one liang (30 g, stir-fried over paper until purple). Preparation: powder all the above, form with refined honey into small pills the size of a parasol tree seed. Take 30 pills each time with warm water before meals, twice daily.
This formula clears heat and engenders fluids, diffuses the lung and promotes urination. It treats patients who have both xiao-ke (wasting-thirst: dry mouth and thirst) symptoms and generalized edema. Han Fangji, Zhuling, Fuling and Tinglizi in the formula are all water-promoting, swelling-dispersing herbs; Baizhu fortifies the spleen and promotes urination; Sangbaipi drains the lung and calms panting, promotes urination and disperses swelling; Xingren drains the lung and downbears qi; Yuliren downbears qi, promotes urination, and moistens the intestines to unblock the stool; Tianhuafen clears heat and drains fire, engenders fluids and stops thirst. Overall, this formula mainly promotes urination and disperses swelling, treating water disease. The xiao-ke here arises because the upward-downward movement of water-fluid is abnormal, so fluids cannot be distributed properly and the person feels thirsty; once fluid distribution returns to normal, the thirst subsides of itself.
This formula may be used in advanced cancer patients who have both dry mouth and thirst, and dysuria with edema.