Atractylodes lancea Rhizome(Cang Zhu) and Rhizoma Atractylodes Macrocephalae (Bai Zhu)

Applications and Properties:

Applications:

Analgesic effects.
Anti-arrhythmic effects.
Anti-diarrhea effects.
Anti-anoxia effects.
Anti-inflammatory effects.
Anti-thrombotic and anticoagulant effects.
Anti-ulcer effect.
Diuretic effect.
Effect on blood sugar.
Effect on the inhibiting of CNS.
Effects on smooth muscles.
Promoting stomach functions.
Effects on diarrhea due to spleen deficiency.
Preventing ulcers.

Properties:

Both baizhu and cangzhu strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness. The former is sweet, bitter, and mild, and acts mainly to nourish the spleen and check perspiration; the latter is acrid, bitter, dry, and strong and acts mainly to dry dampness and induce perspiration. Therefore, baizhu is often used for spleen deficiency or deficiency of the defensive qi with spontaneous sweating, while cangzhu is usually applied for excess syndromes with dampness retained in the middle burner or exterior syndromes complicated by dampness.
Dosage:3-9g.decocted in water for an oral dose.

Safety and Toxicity:

Toxicity of Swordlike Atractylodes Rhizome (Cang Zhu):Smoking mice and rats with an incense made from Cang Zhu and argyi leaves for 0.5-2 hours does not lead to abnormal outward appearances or pathologic changes. No adverse effects are experienced by any of 4000+ healthy people who have slept for 30 consecutive days in rooms where a coil of incense made from Cang Zhu and argyi leaves is burned throughout the night.