Atractylodes
rhizome (Cangzhu)
Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma
atractylodis
Botanical Name: 1. Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC.; 2. A. chinensis (DC.) Koidz.; 3. Atractylodes
japonica koidz. ex Kitam.
Common Name: Atractylodes rhizome
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong
Bencao Jing
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations: The rhizomes are dug in spring or autumn; those gathered in
autumn are better. After the fibrous roots have been removed, the rhizomes are
cleaned and dried in the sun, soaked in water and cut into slices. The raw
slices are then fried until yellowish in color.
Properties & Taste: Pungent, bitter
and warm.
Meridians: Spleen and stomach.
Functions: 1. To dry dampness and
strengthen the spleen; 2. To expel wind and dampness; 3. To promote sweating
Indications & Combinations:
1. Dampness blocking the spleen and stomach
manifested as epigastric distension and fullness, poor appetite, nausea or
vomiting, lassitude and sticky tongue coating: Atractylodes rhizome
(Cangzhu) is used with Magnolia bark (Houpo) and Tangerine peel (Chenpi) in the
formula Pingwei San.
2. Wind-cold-damp obstruction syndrome
manifested as swollen and painful knee joints and weakness of the lower limbs:
Atractylodes rhizome (Cangzhu) is used with Chaenomeles fruit (Mugua), Mulberry
twigs (Sangzhi) and Pubescent angelica root (Duhuo).
3. Exterior syndrome due to invasion by
exogenous pathogenic wind, cold and dampness manifested as soreness and
heaviness of the limbs, chills, fever, headache and heavy sensation in the head:
Atractylodes rhizome (Cangzhu) is used with Ledebouriella root (Fangfeng) and
Asarum herb (Xixin).
4. Downward flow of damp-heat manifested as
swollen and painful knees and legs and weakness of the lower limbs: Atractylodes
rhizome (Cangzhu) is used with Phellodendron bark (Huangbai) and Cyathula root
(Niuxi) in the formula Sanmiao Wan.
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