Fangji Huangqi Tang has the effect of benefiting qi, dispelling wind, strengthening the spleen and inducing diuresis. It is mainly used for treating wind and water (sudden edema of the head, face and limbs) or rheumatism in which the surface of the body is weak (the weakness of the surface of the body leads to the abnormal exit of sweat).
In the formula, Fangji dispels wind and prevents dampness to relieve pain; Astragalus strengthens the surface and induces diuresis; Atractylodes macrocephala replenishes qi, strengthens the spleen and dispels dampness, which not only helps Fangji to dispel dampness and promote the power of water, but also enhances Astragalus’s ability to strengthen the surface by promoting the use of qi; when decocting, ginger is added to help Fangji to dispel dampness and wind, and jujube is added to help Astragalus and Atractylodes macrocephala replenish the spleen; licorice promotes the use of qi and neutralizes the middle (replenishes qi and regulates the stomach and the spleen), regulates the medicines (regulates the properties of different Chinese herbs), and also performs the duties of the adjunct.
Fangji Huangqi Tang is a commonly used formula for the clinical treatment of rheumatism and wind-water belonging to the syndrome of superficial deficiency, which is manifested as sweating and malignant wind, heaviness and slight swelling of the body, or pain in the limbs and joints, dysuria (unruly urination), and pale white fur on the tongue.
It is recommended that patients should go to a regular Chinese medicine hospital when they feel unwell, and be guided by a Chinese medicine practitioner to identify the symptoms and choose effective therapeutic drugs, rather than blindly self-medicating.