White Atractylodes Root, Báizhú, 白术, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae

Disclaimer    For educational purposes only.  Do not use as medical advice

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Health Benefits
For: Edema • Restless fetus • Indigestion • Poor appetite • Diarrhea • Fatigue • Candida • Miscarriage
Attributes: Anti-inflammatory • Hepatoprotective • Immunity Booster • Hypoglycemic • Antibaterial
Products (online examples)
Extract >Dried Root Granules Dried Root
Dried Root Tincture Powder Stir Fried Root
Research (sample)
Articles:
Constituents: 
Butenolide A and B • Acetoxyatractylon • Hydroxyatractylon • Atractylon • Sesquiterpene lactones • Acetylenes • Polysaccharides.

Photos (Click to enlarge)
Fun Facts
Other Names: Dong Zhu • Yu Zhu • Atractylodes, • Byaki-Jutsu • Cang Zhu • Paekch'ul • Black Atractylodes
Plant Family: Compositae
Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea) is a weaker substitute for Bai Zhu.  It's roots tend to be smaller than Bai Zhu and is often used for indigestion and stomach aches.   "Dr. Jiao Shude summarizes: cangzhu and baizhu both fortify the spleen and dry dampness. However, cangzhu is aromatic, bitter, and warm and has a dry and harsh nature. It upbears yang, dissipates depression, and dries dampness. It has a stronger upbearing and dissipating action than baizhu, but its ability to fortify the spleen, supplement qi, and engender blood is weaker." — Dharmananda

Bai Zhu has diuretic properties and is used to increase urination and eliminate excess fluid (swelling) in the body.  Stir frying this herb (Cao Bai Zhu), makes it astringent and more drying.  It is used to treat diarrhea, loose stool, and abdominal distention.
Species
Atractylodes lancea and Atractylodis macrocephalae are used in Chinese medicine.  Other species are Atractylodes amurensis, Atractylodes carlinoides, Atractylodes japonica, Atractylodes koreana, Atractylodes ovata, Atractylodes rubra
Growth
Atractylodes macrocephala is NOT in the USDA Plant Database.  

USA: Atractylodes macrocephala is not found in the wild.      USDA Zones: 5-9

Native: Eastern Asia, India, Japan, Vietnam, Korea

Habitats: Grassland, forests, pastures, 600m<elevation<2800m

Category: Tonify Qi 
English: White Atractylodes Root    Pinyin:  Bai Zhu      Pharmaceutical: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae  
Organs: Spleen • Stomach  Temperature: Warm 
Taste: Bitter • Sweet  Toxicity: None noted  
Patterns: Spleen deficiency • Qi deficiency • Stomach deficiency • Dampness  
Actions:  Tonify Spleen Qi • Stop sweating • Calms fetus • Dry dampness • Stabilize exterior • Stop sweating
Indications: Edema • Poor urination • Sweating • Diarrhea • Vomiting • Poor appetite • Fatigue • Sudden sweating • Phlegm-fluid • Painful obstruction • Restless fetus
Contraindications: Autoimmune disorder • Yin deficiency with heat • Dehydration • Foods: black carp, Chinese cabbage, peach, plum and coriander
Typical Dosage: 5g to 9g          Guidelines
Parts Used: Root  
Other: Bai Zhu is more Spleen focused while Cang Zhu is more for dampness
Combine With Purpose
Zhi Shi Qi Stagnation and spleen deficiency: poor appetite, gas and bloating
Cang Zhu Vaginal discharge
Dang Shen + Gan Jiang Middle burner deficiency cold: diarrhea, bloating, vomiting, and stomach aches
Su Geng + Chen Pi Qi stagnation: bloating and restless fetus
Huang Qin Restless fetus
Huang Qi + Fu Xiao Mai Unexplained sweating; night sweats
Fu Ling + Gui Zhi Spleen deficiency: edema and fluid retention
Dui Yao Pairs Purpose
Bai Zhu + Fu Ling 10g to 15g each. Tonify spleen, dry dampness, promote urination, fatigue, poor appetite [15] 
Bai Zhu + Huang Qin Bai Zhu (10-15g) Huang Qin(6-12g).  Quiet the fetus (prevent miscarriages)[15]
Bai Zhu + Zhi Shi Bai Zhu (10-15g) Zhi Shi (5-10g). Spleen qi deficiency.  Gas and bloating.  Constipation [15] 
Formulas with Bai Zhu
Ba Zhen Tang • Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang • Bu Dai Wan • Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang • Dang Gui Shao Yao San • Fang Feng Tong Sheng San • Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang • Gu Chong Tang • Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin • Gui Pi Tang • Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang • Huang Tu Tang • Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San • Jian Pi Wan • Li Zhong Wan • Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang • Shen Ling Bai Zhu San • Shi Pi Yin • Shi Quan Da Bu Tang • Si Jun Zi Tang • Su He Xiang Wan • Tong Xie Yao Fang • Wan Dai Tang • Wu Ling San • Xiao Yao San • Yu Ping Feng San • Zan Yu Dan • Zhen Ren Yang Zang Tang • Zhen Wu Tang • Zhi Shi Xiao Pi Wan • Zhi Zhu Wan • Zhong Man Fen Xiao Wan

Alert
Be cautions with all medicine.
Potential Drug Interactions

Herbal medicine may interact negatively with pharma drugs and other herbs.  Examples below:

Herbs: ♦ Diuretic: Heal All

Pharma Drugs:♦ Diuretic: Acetazolamide, Aldactone, Amiloride Hydrochloride, Bumex, Diuril, Diulo, Demadex, Dyrenium, Edecrin, Enduron, Hydrodiuril, Hygroton, Lasix, Lozol, Methazolamide, Mykrox, Zaroxolyn

Information in this post came from many sources, including class notes, practitioners, websites, webinars, books, magazines, and editor's personal experience.  While the original source often came from historical Chinese texts,  variations may result from the numerous English translations.   Always consult a doctor prior to using these drugs.  The information here is strictly for educational purposes. 

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