Atractylodes (atractylodes macrocephala)

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Other names for atractylodes

Atractylodes Macrocephala (Bai Zhu)
Atractylodes Lancea (Cang Zhu)
Atractylodes Rhizome

Synopsis of atractylodes

Atractylodes is a genus of medicinal plants in the Asteraceae (daisy) family, widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). The two most common species used are Atractylodes macrocephala (known as Bai Zhu) and Atractylodes lancea (known as Cang Zhu). Both are prized for their effects on digestion, energy, and fluid metabolism, but they have distinct energetic profiles and clinical applications.

Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu) is primarily used to:

  • Tonify the Spleen qi
  • Strengthen digestion and nutrient absorption
  • Stop spontaneous sweating
  • Stabilize pregnancy and calm a restless fetus
  • Drain dampness without damaging qi

It is considered sweet, warm, and gentle, making it ideal for chronic fatigue, poor appetite, loose stools, and digestive weakness due to Spleen qi deficiency. It also supports the immune system and may modulate inflammatory responses.

Atractylodes lancea (Cang Zhu), on the other hand, is stronger and more aromatic. It is used to:

  • Dry dampness and strengthen the digestive system
  • Expel wind-damp from the muscles and joints
  • Induce sweating and release the exterior
  • Improve vision, particularly in cases of night blindness due to damp obstruction

Cang Zhu is often used in conditions with damp accumulation, such as heavy limbs, foggy thinking, nausea, diarrhea, or painful joints with swelling.

Both types of atractylodes contain volatile oils, sesquiterpenes, and polysaccharides, which contribute to their digestive, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory effects. They are commonly found in classical TCM formulas like Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) and Ping Wei San (Calm the Stomach Powder).

Historical Use:

Atractylodes has been used in Chinese herbal medicine for over 1,500 years, with entries in the Shennong Ben Cao Jing and Compendium of Materia Medica (Ben Cao Gang Mu). In TCM theory, the Spleen is considered the organ responsible for digestion, fluid transformation, and qi production, and atractylodes is one of the most important herbs for restoring Spleen function.

Bai Zhu has traditionally been used to treat chronic illness, convalescence, and fatigue, while Cang Zhu has been used more for acute dampness, external wind-cold-damp invasion, and digestive stagnation.

Though not used historically in Western herbalism, atractylodes is increasingly appreciated in modern herbal medicine for gut health, immune resilience, and metabolic regulation. Its role as a foundational herb in TCM formulas continues to make it essential for practitioners addressing fatigue, digestive dysfunction, and fluid imbalance.

Atractylodes is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Acid Indigestion (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Asthma (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Belching (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Traditional)
Chills (Traditional)
Cholesterol (high) (Traditional)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (decongestant) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Congestion (Traditional)
Congestion (bronchial) (Traditional)
Congestion (lungs) (Traditional)
Congestion (sinus) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Constipation (children) (Traditional)
Cough (damp) (Traditional)
Cough (dry) (Traditional)
Cough (general) (Traditional)
Cough (spastic) (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed) (Traditional)
Gas and Bloating (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (Traditional)
Lymph Nodes or Glands (swollen) (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Migraine (Traditional)
Muscle Tone (lack of) (Traditional)
Nausea and Vomiting (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Sore Throat (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

atractylodes is used to support these body systems

Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Spleen (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)