Botanical Overview
Saposhnikovia divaricata belongs to the Apiaceae family and is commonly known as Fang Feng or Divaricate Saposhnikovia. The medicinal part used is primarily the root. Native to Northern China, Siberia, the Korean Peninsula, and the Russian Far East, this plant is a well-established herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Energetics
The herb is considered warming and drying in nature, with tastes described as pungent, sweet, and bitter. Its energetic actions promote ascending and outward movement, classified as tonifying qi.
Primary Actions
- Antipyretic
- Analgesic
- Anti-inflammatory
- Spasmolytic
- Immunomodulatory
- Antiviral
Indications
Western
- Fever
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Muscle spasms
- Common cold symptoms
- Influenza symptoms
- Allergic rhinitis
Syndromes
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Viral upper respiratory infection
- Immune deficiency conditions
TCM
- Wind-cold invasion
- Headache
- Body ache
- Joint pain
- Numbness
- Spasms
- Fever
Syndromes
- Wind-Cold Syndrome
- Bi syndrome (painful obstruction)
- Exterior Syndrome
Ayurveda
No well-established traditional uses documented.
Unani
No well-established traditional uses documented.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemical constituents include chromones such as prim-O-glucosylcimifugin, coumarins, volatile oils, polyacetylenes, and chromone glycosides, which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Decoction: 6-12 g daily
- Powder: 3-9 g daily
- Standardized extracts used as per manufacturer recommendations
Safety & Contraindications
Generally considered safe when used appropriately. Caution is advised during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Avoid use in those with known hypersensitivity. No significant toxicity reported with traditional or modern use when proper dosages are observed.
Astrological Correspondences
No reliably sourced planetary or elemental correspondences found.
Selected References
- Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk: A review (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2014)
- Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (Chinese Pharmacopoeia Commission, 2020)
- Ethnomedicine and Traditional Herbal Medicine of China (L. Wang, 2011)
- Assessment report on Saposhnikovia divaricata root (EMA, 2018)