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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.
Dosage: 5-10 g |
