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.