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Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Alba)

atractylodes-macrocephalae-detail-54876.1428431528.300.300.jpg

Pinyin: Bai Zhu Latin: Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Alba)

Physical Characteristics

Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Alba) is a perennial growing to 0.5m by 0.4m hardy to zone 6 in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The Atractylodes (White) Rhizome flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required) Atractylodes Alba prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil, prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils, can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade and requires moist soil.

Family

Compositae

Traditional Chinese Medicinal (TCM) Uses:*

Atractylodis Macrocephalae is Antibacterial; Diuretic; Sedative; Stomachic; Tonic.

Bai Zhu is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine[238].*

The Bai Zhu root contains an essential oil, glucoside and inulin[283] and is a bitter-sweet tonic herb that acts mainly upon the digestive system and strengthens the spleen[238, 254].*

Atractylodis Macrocephalae root is antibacterial, diuretic, hypoglycemic, sedative, stomachic and tonic[176, 238]. Bai Zhu is used in the treatment of poor appetite, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, chronic diarrhea, edema and spontaneous sweating[176].*

Atractylodis Alba is often used in conjunction with other herbs such as Codonopsis tangshen and Glycyrrhiza uralensis[238].*

Combined with Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) Bai Zhu is used to prevent miscarriage[254]. The roots are harvested in the autumn and baked for use in tonics[238].*

References

  • [176] Yeung. Him-Che.Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles 1985
  • [238] Bown. D.Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31
  • [254] Chevallier. A.The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London 1996 ISBN 9-780751-303148
  • [266] Flora of China 1994
  • [283] Nguyen Van Dan & Doan Thi NhuMedicinal Plants in Vietnam World Health Organisation 1989 ISBN 92 9061 101 4

Source: Atractylodis Macrocephala Rhizoma Plants For A Future, England 1996-2008.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

 

Natural dietary supplements are designed to offer the body support to promote health, harmony, balance and overall well being.*

In TCM Bai Zhu is used in the treatment of poor appetite, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, chronic diarrhea, edema and spontaneous sweating. Combined with Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) Bai Zhu is used to prevent miscarriage.*

*These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. TCM is an acronym for Traditional Chinese Medicine.

**The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only, not intended to replace your doctor's or other health care professional's advice or treatment. Nor is any information contained on or in any product label or packaging intended to provide or replace professional health care advice. Do not use the this site's information for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem, nor for prescription of any treatment or medication. Always consult with a healthcare professional before undertaking any diet, exercise, herbal or other supplementation program, taking any medications, or if you suspect you may have or already have any type of health problem. Do not stop taking any medication without first consulting your doctor.