Stephania Root (Củ Bình Vôi)
Stephania cepharantha
About Stephania Root (Củ Bình Vôi)
Stephania Root (Củ Bình Vôi) (Stephania cepharantha) is a herb used in the Vietnamese Traditional Medicine tradition to help with Fever, UTI, Edema, and Digestive Issues. The root is the part traditionally used, taken internally.
Botanical background
Stephania cephalantha is a plant in the genus Stephania of the family Menispermaceae native to China, Taiwan and Vietnam.
Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist
Parts used
Conditions addressed
Decoction
- Add 1–2 tsp of dried Stephania Root (Củ Bình Vôi) to 2 cups of cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then simmer for 15–20 minutes.
- Strain and drink warm.
Tincture
- Pack dried Stephania Root (Củ Bình Vôi) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
- Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
- Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
Powder / Capsule
- Grind dried Stephania Root (Củ Bình Vôi) into a fine powder.
- Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children
No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Stephania Root (Củ Bình Vôi) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Stephania Root (Củ Bình Vôi) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.
Pregnancy
Use CautionThis herb has a diuretic (fluid-eliminating) effect. Pregnancy already involves significant fluid/electrolyte shifts, so diuretic herbs are generally used cautiously and in moderation rather than as a routine remedy — this is a general, mechanism-based caution, not herb-specific research.
Breastfeeding
Use CautionDiuretic herbs are traditionally thought to potentially reduce milk supply through fluid loss — generally used cautiously while establishing or maintaining supply.
Children
Use CautionChildren are more sensitive to fluid and electrolyte shifts — diuretic herbs are generally used cautiously and under guidance.
Contraindications
- Significant kidney impairment — diuretic herbs may worsen renal function
Warnings
⚠️ Kidney Disease
Some diuretic herbs are contraindicated in those with kidney disease. Consult your doctor if you have impaired kidney function.
⚠️ Allergic Reactions
Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.
⚠️ Not Medical Advice
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.
Drug & herb interactions
May have a diuretic effect
Watch for: Diuretic medications and lithium
Additive fluid loss can affect electrolyte balance and change how the body clears lithium.
Where to find in nature
Native region
Vietnam, southern China
Climate
Tropical to subtropical
Habitat
Tropical forests, rice paddy borders, and village herb gardens of Vietnam
🌿 To see Stephania Root (Củ Bình Vôi) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.
Where to buy
In store
- Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
- Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
- Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices
- Farmers markets with herb vendors
Online
iHerb
Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing
Mountain Rose Herbs
Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced
Starwest Botanicals
Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders
Herb Pharm
High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards
Amazon
Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing
Etsy
Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs
Quality tips
When buying Stephania Root (Củ Bình Vôi), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.