Evidence supporting the use of: Southern Tsangshu
For the health condition: Debility
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Southern Tsangshu (Atractylodes lancea), known as Cang Zhu in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), has historically been used to address various forms of "debility," which in TCM refers to general weakness, fatigue, or lack of vitality. The use of Southern Tsangshu for debility is primarily rooted in traditional practice. According to TCM theory, Atractylodes lancea is believed to "strengthen the Spleen," "drain dampness," and "promote Qi," which are associated with improved energy and alleviation of symptoms like tiredness and physical weakness.
Textual evidence for its use can be found in classical TCM materia medica, such as the Shennong Bencao Jing and the Bencao Gangmu, where Cang Zhu is recommended for digestive weakness, lethargy, and lack of appetite. Common TCM formulas for debility, such as Ping Wei San and Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, often contain Atractylodes species as a principal ingredient.
However, scientific studies examining Southern Tsangshu’s effects on generalized weakness or debility in the modern biomedical sense are extremely limited. Some preclinical research indicates possible anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic effects, but these findings do not directly validate its use for debility in humans. Therefore, the evidence for its use in this context is mainly traditional, with a moderate degree of support within that paradigm but lacking strong scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Debility
adrenal cortexAlfalfa
amino acids
apricot
bilberry
black currant
bovine
bovine spleen
carrot
chlorella
turmeric
elderberry
garlic bulb
ginger
grape
green tea
L-glutamine
milk
ornithine alpha-ketoglutarate
pomegranate
protein
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
zinc
xanthium (cockleburs)
siler root
hyacinth bean
Algae
Aralia
Antler
Ambergris
Angelica
Acacia
Achyranthes
Anamu
Aletris
Algal protein
Abalone
Animal protein
Bishop's Weed
Beef Protein
Beef
Beef liver
Bovine Protein
Bael
Borassus aethiopum
Codonopsis
Cynomorium
Chlorophytum
Chicken
Deer Root
Deer Velvet
Elk antler
Flat-stem milk-vetch
glucose
Heal-All
Long Pepper
Jungli-bean
Microcos
Phyllanthus
Pyrrosia
Pseudostellaria
Rubia yunnanensis
Sicklepod
Sesbania
Southern Tsangshu
Other health conditions supported by Southern Tsangshu
Abdominal PainAnxiety
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Backache
Belching
Bladder Infection
Bleeding (external)
Boils
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Chest Pain
Chills
Circulation (poor)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Cuts
Debility
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dizziness
Edema
Emotional Sensitivity
Endurance (lack of)
Energy (lack of)
Fever
Gall Bladder (sluggish or removed)
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating