Witnessed by: TCM
Red atractylodes (Atractylodes lancea), of the Asteraceae family. Erect aromatic perennial of grassy slopes; native range: eastern and central China, on dry hillsides. Globally recognized as cang zhu (蒼朮) in Chinese, and grey atractylodes, southern atractylodes in English. The part used is rhizome. Knobby red-brown rhizome, strongly fragrant, aged slices often crusted with a white crystalline frost.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
RED ATRACTYLODES
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- red atractylodes
- Scientific name
- Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC.
- Family
- Asteraceae
Form
- Part used
- rhizome
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- pungent · bitter (aromatic)
Temperature
- TCM
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Spleen · Stomach
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- dries dampness, strengthens the Spleen, expels wind-damp, clears the eyes in night blindness
Cautions
- Contraindications
- yin deficiency with heat, qi deficiency with profuse sweating, or damaged fluids
- Toxicity
- none notable at customary dose
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