Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis)  Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis)

Cang Zhu

Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis) is the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) or A. chinensis (DC.) koidz. After harvesting, the medicinal material is sun-dried, then thoroughly steeped in water. It is then cut into pieces and stir-baked prior to use.

Category: Dampness resolving.

Common Name: Atractylodes Rhizome.

Channels Entered: Spleen and Stomach.

Properties and Functions: It is pungent, bitter and warm in nature. It has the following clinical functions:

  • Drying dampness and fortifying the Spleen.
  • Induces sweating, and dispels Wind-Dampness and Cold.
  • Clears Damp from the lower jiao (burner).
  • Benefits the eyes.

Indications: The main clinical indications for its use are:

  • Reduced appetite, diarrhoea, epigastric distention, fatigue, nausea and vomiting due to damp retention in the middle jiao.
  • Chills, fever, head and body aches along with nasal congestion.
  • Damp-heat syndrome manifesting as leukorrhoea (vaginal discharge), ulcers, eczema and swollen, sore joints.
  • Night blindness or diminished vision.

Dosage: 3 – 9g

Cautions and Contra-Indications: Cang Zhu is contra-indicated for internal Heat from Yin deficiency and profuse sweating from exterior deficiency.