Description
White Atractylodes Rhizome, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 白术 (Bái Zhú) is one of the most fundamental herbs in the TCM materia medica. It is highly valued as a major Qi Tonic and is considered the premier herb for fortifying the Spleen and drying Dampness.
Warm in nature. Bitter and Sweet in taste. It enters the spleen and stomach meridians.
White Atractylodes Rhizome is the go-to herb for any condition related to weak Spleen function, especially when accompanied by Dampness, poor digestion, and fatigue. Its strength lies in its dual action of tonifying the root (the Spleen) while simultaneously addressing the branch symptom (Dampness).
Health Benefit
Strengthens the spleen and stomach, harmonizes the Qi and blood, warm and nourishes the body, resolves dampness, promotes digestion and absorption, improves appetite, stops sweating, promotes diuresis to reduce edema, calms the fetus,
Tonifies Spleen Qi (Spleen Qi Deficiency)
This is its primary function. The Spleen is responsible for transforming food and drink into Qi and Blood. When Spleen Qi is deficient, it leads to:
· Fatigue and low energy
· Poor appetite, bloating after meals
· Loose stools or chronic diarrhoea
· Sallow complexion
Resolves Dampness & Strengthens the Spleen (Spleen Deficiency with Dampness)
A weak Spleen cannot transform fluids, leading to an accumulation of “Dampness” in the body. White Atractylodes Rhizome is uniquely suited to address this by both tonifying the Spleen and drying the Dampness. Symptoms include :
· Feeling of heaviness in the body and head
· Nausea, a feeling of fullness in the chest and abdomen
· Sticky or sweet taste in the mouth
· Classic Formula Example: Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction)
Stabilizes the Exterior & Stops Spontaneous Sweating
White Atractylodes Rhizome is used to secure the “Exterior” of the body (the Wei Qi) when it is weak. This helps control sweating that occurs without physical exertion, often due to Qi Deficiency.
Calms the Fetus
In cases of threatened miscarriage due to Spleen and Kidney Qi deficiency, White Atractylodes Rhizome is often used in herbal formulations to help stabilize the pregnancy.
Promotes Diuresis
It helps reduce edema (swelling) by addressing the root cause—Spleen deficiency failing to metabolize fluids.
Preparation Methods & Differences
The way White Atractylodes Rhizome is processed changes its therapeutic emphasis :
Raw White Atractylodes Rhizome 生白术 (Shēng Bái Zhú)
· Stronger at drying Dampness and promoting diuresis. Used for edema and cases where Dampness is prominent.
Dry-Fried White Atractylodes Rhizome 炒白术 (Chǎo Bái Zhú)
· Enhanced ability to tonify the Spleen and stop diarrhoea. This is the most common form used for Spleen Qi deficiency with poor digestion and loose stools.
Earth-Fried White Atractylodes Rhizome 土炒白术 (Tǔ Chǎo Bái Zhú)
· Even stronger focus on strengthening the Spleen and stopping diarrhoea, especially for chronic, debilitating diarrhoea.
Precautions
· Excess Heat Conditions : Such as fever, flu, cold, chills, sore throat, inflammation.
· Heat due to Yin Deficiency : Should not be used if there are signs of “false heat” from Yin deficiency, such as hot palms, night sweats, and a red tongue with little coating. Its warm nature can worsen this.
· Medical Conditions : If you have hypertension, diabetes, allergy or are on medication, Consultation with a doctor is essential. All herbs are not for infants.
** Disclaimer: Not a substitute for medicine. Individual results may vary and it is normal if you feel a bit warm after consumption. Keep hydrated with drinking more water after consumption. Always consult a qualified TCM practitioner or healthcare professional before consume any herbal medicine, especially when you have underlying health conditions. All herbs are not for infants.
Common Usage and Preparation
1. Tea / Decoction : Steep in hot water for 5-10 minutes. Can be re-steeped several times. or Simmer on the stove for a richer flavour.
2. Culinary Use : Added to soups and broths for a tonic effect.
