Siler Root, also known as Fang Feng in Chinese or Ledebouriella Root in Latin, is highly regarded in Traditional Chinese Medicine for its role in supporting the body’s natural defenses and promoting overall wellness, especially in response to seasonal changes.

If you’re looking for a time-honored herb traditionally used to support immune health – Fang Feng is a great choice. It is traditionally used to support immune system balance during times of seasonal or environmental stress.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fang Feng is believed to support the body’s natural balance and overall wellness, particularly in relation to seasonal and environmental changes.  It also happens to be one of the three herbs in our Immunity Support formula, which has been keeping thousands of people healthy since we launched DAO Labs.

Fang Feng translates to “wind prevention”, the pathogenic wind that can block one's Qi and disturb the body’s natural harmony. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the herb has historically been used to address imbalances described as ‘wind moist disorders.’

With its regenerative and empowering immunity benefits, we just couldn’t give Fang Feng a pass, so we combined it with other Qi-enhancing herbs found in the popular Chinese herbal formula, Jade Windscreen. You can learn more about the blend here, but to get familiarized with what makes Fang Feng incredibly powerful, read on.

Origins, Flavor, and Taste

Fang Feng is a medicinal root of the herbaceous perennial plant, saposhnikovia divaricata, that belongs to the family of Umbelliferae, a family of aromatic flowering plants. The root is grown in Northeast of China in Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning Provinces and also in the east of Inner Mongolia.

The roots are collected twice a year, once in spring and again in the autumn. The herb tastes slightly pungent and sweet while its fragrance is quite pleasant.

Healing Properties Recognized by Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historically, Fang Feng was used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for a wide range of purposes. Today, it is valued for its role in supporting balance and overall vitality. At present, it is valued in TCM for supporting functions traditionally associated with the liver and spleen. Its pathogenic wind-dispelling properties are well established, which also helps combat dampness.

Fang Feng is traditionally believed to help regulate the body’s response to seasonal wind patterns in TCM, often associated with supporting comfort and balance. (You can find out more in The Healing Power of Chinese Herbs and Medicinal Recipes, here.)

Fang Feng is a powerful solution for what Chinese medicine doctors consider “wind related disorders”, variations in external temperatures that may affect the body’s immunity and heat balance. Moreover, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fang Feng is associated with balancing the body during seasonal shifts that may affect comfort and vitality.

In addition, the root has traditionally been used in TCM formulations aimed at maintaining joint comfort and supporting a healthy inflammatory response. Fang Feng has been the subject of research in Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, where it is traditionally valued for its various properties used to support general well-being.

To learn more about how Fang Feng contributes to broader immunity strength and support and its application from a formula perspective, read this brief article by DAO Lab’s Chief Medicine Officer, Dr. Erik Karchmer.

Ready to Experience the Power of Fang Feng?

Discover the power of Fang Feng along with two other essential Chinese herbs, Astragalus (Huang Qi) and Atractylodes (Bai Zhu). Give our Immunity Support formula a try!

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider.  This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com. 

Dr. Eric Karchmer is a practicing Chinese medical doctor, medical anthropologist, and co-founder and Chief Doctor of Chinese Medicine for DAO Labs. From 1995-2000, Eric studied at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and today is both a licensed acupuncturist and professor at Appalachian State University. Eric can be reached at drkarchmer@mydaolabs.com.