rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalae

Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae is the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz., a perennial herb in the family Asteraceae. Known as Bai Zhu (白术) in Chinese medicine, it is a foundational herb used primarily to tonify Spleen Qi and dry Dampness. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is classified as warm and sweet-bitter in nature and enters the spleen and stomach meridians. Its main actions include strengthening the spleen, augmenting Qi (vital energy), drying dampness through diuresis, stopping spontaneous sweating by stabilizing exterior defenses, calming restless fetus due to deficiency syndromes, and preventing miscarriage. It is commonly prescribed for symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal bloating or colic, diarrhea or loose stools, fatigue from Spleen Qi deficiency, edema due to fluid retention from poor spleen function, night sweats or spontaneous sweating from Qi deficiency syndromes; also for threatened abortion related to weakness of the middle Jiao (digestive system). Modern research has identified various pharmacologically active compounds within this herb that may contribute to its effects on gastrointestinal health and immune modulation[2][3][7][8].

Other names

bai zhu白术white atractylodes rhizomeatractylodes macrocephala rhizomelargehead atractylodes rhizome