Source Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome is the rhizome ofAtractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (Fam. Compositae).
Producing Areas Zhejiang, Anhui, etc.
Properties Sweet, Bitter, Warm
Channels Spleen, Stomach
Action
- Tonifies the spleen and supplements the qi
For deficiency in the middlejiao (spleen and stomach) with symptoms such as loose stools, diarrhoea, fatigue, shortness of breath, sallow complexion, and lowered appetite. - Dries dampness, moves and transforms water accumulation
For edema caused by spleen qi deficiency where the spleen fails to transform and transport water and dampness accumulates. - Strengthens thewei qi and stops sweating
For spontaneous sweating caused by qi deficiency. - Stabilises pregnancy and calms the foetus
For Restless Foetus Syndrome caused by lack of nutrition to the foetus caused by spleen qi deficiency.
Usage and Dosage
- 5 – 15g is used in decoction for oral use, or in pills or powder.
- Crude Baishu: For drying dampness, promoting diuresis, relievingBi-pain due to wind-dampness;
- Stir-baked Baishu: For visceroptosis with hyposplentic qi, spontaneous sweatingr, fullness in the stomach.
Notes Be cautious in the case with dysphoria and thirst due to deficiency ofyin, fullness in the chest.
It is shaped like an irregular, massive cloud, 3 – 13cm long, 1.5 – 7cm in diameter. The surface is greyish-yellow or greyish-brown with tumour-like protuberances, off and on longitudinal wrinkles, grooves, fibrous root marks and stem residue on the top of the root. It is hard and not easy to break. The broken surface is not even, yellowish white to pale brown, with brown yellow spot-shaped oil chambers. The broken surface of the dried one looks like keratin with dark colour and fractures. It has a delicate fragrance and a sticky texture while chewing. The flavour is sweet and slightly pungent.
Storage
- Keep in a dry and ventilated place.
- Protect it from moths and mould.
Description of Quality Herb
The good herb is large in size, dense, with yellowish white broken surface and thick fragrance.
Atractylodes and Fuling Congee
Effects
Alleviates swelling of the face, limbs or entire body due to pregnancy, as well as irregularity of urination. It is beneficial to the spleen and acts as a diuretic.
Ingredients
Atractylodes 12g, Fuling 15g, citrus peel 3g, young ginger peel 1g, amomum fruit 3g, japonica rice 100g.
Preparation
1.Pan-fry the five herbs together to extract the essence. Remove the dregs.
2.Add the japonica rice and an adequate amount of water, and cook as congee.
Atractylodes Congee
Effects
Improves appetite and alleviates nausea for those who are undergoing chemotherapy treatment or have just completed chemotherapy
Ingredients
Parched atractylodes 30g, millet 100g.
Preparation
1.Grind the atractylodes to powder.
2.Mix the powdered atractylodes with the millet and cook together as congee.