White atractylodes (Baizhu)
Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (Fam. Asteracae)
Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Atractylodis
macrocephalae
Botanical Name: Atractylodes
macrocephala Koidz. (Fam.
Asteracae).
Common Name: White atractylodes rhizome.
Source of Earliest Record: Shennong
Bencao Jing.
Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical
Preparations: The rhizomes are dug in October, cleaned and dried in the sun
or baked. They are then soaked in water and cut into slices.
Properties & Taste: Bitter, sweet
and warm.
Meridians: Spleen and stomach.
Functions: 1. To replenish qi and
strengthen the spleen; 2. To resolve dampness and promote water metabolism; 3.
To stop sweating and calm the fetus
Indications & Combinations:
1. Weakness of the spleen in transportation
and transformation of water manifested as poor appetite, loose stool, lassitude
and epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness. White atractylodes
(Baizhu) is used with Ginseng (Renshen) and Poria (Fuling) in the formula
Sijunzi Tang.
2. Qi stagnation due to weakness of the
spleen and stomach manifested as epigastric and abdominal fullness. White
atractylodes (Baizhu) is used with Immature bitter orange (Zhishi) in the
formula Zhi Zhu Wan.
3. Deficiency and cold in the spleen and
stomach manifested as cold sensation and pain in the epigastric and abdominal
regions, diarrhea and vomiting. White atractylodes (Baizhu) is used with
Dried ginger (Ganjiang) and Ginseng (Renshen) in the formula Lizhong Wan.
4. Internal accumulation of water and
dampness due to dysfunction of the spleen and stomach accompanied by edema or
phlegm-fluid syndrome: a) for edema and ascites, White atractylodes (Baizhu)
is used with Areca nut shell (Dafupi) and Poria (Fuling); b) for phlegm-damp
syndrome manifested as palpitation, asthma, cough with excessive sputum and
stifling sensation in the chest, White atractylodes (Baizhu) is used with
Cinnamon twigs (Guizhi) and Poria (Fuling) in the formula Ling Gui Zhu Gan
Tang.
5. Spontaneous sweating due to qi
deficiency. White atractylodes (Baizhu) is used with Astragalus root
(Huangqi) and Ledebouriella (Fangfeng) in the formula Yupingfeng San.
6. Restlessness of fetus due to weakness of
qi of the spleen during pregnancy: a) if accompanying manifestations
include vaginal bleeding and pain in the lower abdomen, White atractylodes
(Baizhu) is used with Ginseng (Renshen) and Poria (Fuling); b) if accompanying
manifestations include dizziness, vertigo and palpitations, White atractylodes
(Baizhu) is used with Prepared rehmannia root (Shudihuang), White peony root
(Baishao), Chinese angelica root (Danggui) and Donkey hide gelatin (Ejiao); c)
if accompanying manifestations include soreness and pain of the lumbar region
due to deficiency of the kidneys, White atractylodes (Baizhu) is used with
Eucommia bark (Duzhong), Teasel root (Xuduan) and Mulberry mistletoe
(Sangjisheng); d) if accompanying manifestations include distention and
fullness in the chest and abdominal region due to qi stagnation, White
atractylodes (Baizhu) is used with Perilla stem (Sugeng) and Amomum fruit
(Sharen); e) if accompanying manifestations include red tongue proper with
yellow coating and rapid pulse due to internal heat, White atractylodes
(Baizhu) is used with Scutellaria root (Huangqin).
Dosage: 5-15 g, used unprepared for drying Dampness, stirbaked for
Qi and Spleen tonification,
and stir-baked with earth or baked to brown for strengthening the Spleen to
stop diarrhea.
Cautions & Contraindications: The
raw herb is used for resolving dampness and promoting water metabolism. The
fried herb is used for replenishing qi and strengthening the spleen. The
carbonized herb is used for tonifying the spleen and stopping diarrhea. White
atractylodes (Baizhu) is contraindicated in cases with thirst accompanied by
exhaustion of body fluids.
0 Comment:
Post a Comment