Witnessed by: TCM
White atractylodes (Atractylodes macrocephala), of the Asteraceae family. Sturdy perennial herb with purple thistle-like heads; native range: eastern China, especially Zhejiang. Globally recognized as bai zhu (白朮) in Chinese, and largehead atractylodes in English. The part used is rhizome. Hard knobby pale rhizome, sweetish and faintly aromatic, oily when fresh.
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.
WHITE ATRACTYLODES
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- white atractylodes
- Scientific name
- Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.
- Family
- Asteraceae
Form
- Part used
- rhizome
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · bitter
Temperature
- TCM
- warm
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Spleen · Stomach
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- tonifies the Spleen, augments the qi, dries dampness, promotes urination, stabilizes the exterior to stop sweating, calms the fetus
Cautions
- Contraindications
- yin deficiency with heat, or where fluids are already damaged
- Toxicity
- none notable at customary dose
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