Warm Herbs that Dissolve Cold Phlegm: Bai Fu Zi

白附子

(Zhi) Bai Fu Zi

Basic functions: wind phlegm from head and face, dries damp, dissipates nodules, resolves toxicity (oozing eczema, fungal skin)

Zhi = Prepared
Bai = White
Fu = Appendage
Zi = Seed

Bai Fu Zi looks a lot like Tian Nan Xing (my herb samples do, anyway). They have a lot in common, too, as far as functions go.

Similarity:Both go to the spleen and liver
Difference: Tian Nan Xing also goes to the lung, while Bai Fu Zi goes to the stomach (and may be the only herb in all of these stop cough / dispel phlegm herbs that doesn't go to the lung?)

Similarity: Both Tian Nan Xing and Bai Fu Zi are indicated for wind phlegm (the fact they both go to the liver gives a clue). They also both dry dampness (spleen)
Differences: Tian Nan Xing stops spasms and is indicated especially for wind-stroke / seizures / epilepsy, while Bai Fu Zi concentrates on expelling wind phlegm from the head and face especially (a sagging face)

Third function differences:
Tian Nan Xing is indicated for swelling and pain reduction (sores, ulcers, carbuncles); Bai Fu Zi dissipates nodules and resolves toxicity (phlegm masses, fungal skin, eczema with wind and dampness -- greasy, oozing, moving around, NOT hot eczema)

Pregnancy: Tian Nan Xing is contraindicated in pregnancy; Bai Fu Zi is cautioned in pregnancy at doses greater than 5 g.
Dosage: Tian Nan Xing: 3 - 9 g; Bai Fu Zi: 3 -5 g

Temperature: both are WARM.

Bai Fu Zi is also indicated for draining damp, stopping itching and pain, and can be combined with other herbs for bi zheng.