Description

Atractylodes macrocephala (白术) possesses core functions such as strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi, drying dampness and promoting diuresis, consolidating the exterior and stopping sweating, and calming the fetus. It is a key herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine for tonifying qi and strengthening the spleen, commonly used to treat spleen and stomach weakness, internal dampness retention, spontaneous sweating, and threatened miscarriage.

I. Strengthening the Spleen and Replenishing Qi: Regulating the Root of Spleen and Stomach Function Atractylodes macrocephala is sweet and bitter in taste, and warm in nature. It enters the spleen and stomach meridians, and is most adept at replenishing the qi of the spleen and stomach, enhancing digestive and absorptive functions. It is suitable for symptoms such as loss of appetite, postprandial abdominal distension, loose stools, and fatigue caused by spleen deficiency.

It is often combined with Codonopsis pilosula, Poria cocos, and Glycyrrhiza uralensis to form the classic formula Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), a basic formula for treating spleen and stomach qi deficiency.

Modern research shows that the polysaccharides and volatile oil components in Atractylodes macrocephala can regulate gastrointestinal motility, protect the gastric mucosa, and improve problems such as chronic gastritis and functional dyspepsia.

II. Dampness-Drying and Diuretic Effects: Resolving Internal Dampness Spleen deficiency easily leads to water retention. Atractylodes macrocephala can both strengthen the spleen to address the root cause and directly dry dampness and promote diuresis, facilitating the excretion of excess water through urination.

It is used for symptoms such as phlegm retention causing dizziness and palpitations (e.g., Meniere’s disease), edema, and difficulty urinating. It is often used in combination with Poria cocos, Alisma plantago-aquatica, and Polyporus umbellatus, such as in Wu Ling San or Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang.

Raw Atractylodes macrocephala has a better laxative effect and can be used for senile or habitual constipation; stir-fried Atractylodes macrocephala is more focused on strengthening the spleen and stopping diarrhea.

III. Strengthening the Exterior and Stopping Sweating: Improving Qi Deficiency and Spontaneous Sweating
Atractylodes macrocephala can replenish the Qi of the spleen and lungs, enhance the body’s surface defense, and prevent the leakage of body fluids, thereby reducing involuntary sweating during the day.

It is often combined with Astragalus membranaceus and Saposhnikovia divaricata to form Yu Ping Feng San, suitable for those who are weak and prone to illness, sweat profusely easily, and have recurrent colds.

It also has an auxiliary conditioning effect on menopausal sweating and post-illness weakness causing excessive sweating.

IV. Stabilizing the Fetus: For pregnant women experiencing fetal restlessness, lower back pain, abdominal distension, and edema due to spleen deficiency, qi weakness, and dampness obstructing the middle jiao, Atractylodes macrocephala can indirectly stabilize the fetus by strengthening the spleen, replenishing qi, drying dampness, and harmonizing the middle jiao.

It is often combined with Scutellaria baicalensis, Amomum villosum, and Eucommia ulmoides, such as in Taishan Panshi Powder. However, it must be used under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner and should not be taken without medical advice.