Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala)
【Source】Rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala, a plant from the Asteraceae family. Mainly produced in Zhejiang, Anhui, Hunan, and other regions.
【Pharmacological Components】Contains volatile oil and vitamin A. Has diuretic, hypoglycemic, anticoagulant, and tonic effects.
【Nature and Meridian Attribution】Sweet and bitter, warm. Enters the spleen and stomach meridians.
【Functions】Strengthens spleen and stomach, dries dampness, promotes urination, tonifies qi, stops sweating. Used for spleen and stomach weakness, poor appetite, fatigue, shortness of breath, edema, diarrhea, spontaneous sweating, and fetal instability.
【Dosage】3–12 grams.
【Caution】Avoid use in cases of yin deficiency with dryness and thirst, or qi stagnation with distension.
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