Atractylodes (Bai Zhu)
Atractylodes macrocephala
白术
Pinyin: Bái Zhú
Plant Family
Asteraceae
Part Used
Rhizome
Origin
Zhejiang, Anhui, Hunan, Jiangsu, China
Safety Level
Safe
Overview
Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu) is one of the most important qi tonic herbs in traditional Chinese medicine. It is widely used to strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, and promote water metabolism. Bai Zhu is often combined with other herbs in classic formulas for digestive weakness, fatigue, and fluid retention. It is considered a fundamental herb for building post-natal qi.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Properties
Nature (四气)
warm
Flavors (五味)
bitter, sweet
Meridians (归经)
spleen, stomach
Health Benefits
Traditional Uses
- Tonify spleen qi and strengthen digestion
- Dry dampness and resolve phlegm
- Promote water metabolism and reduce edema
- Stop sweating (spontaneous sweating from qi deficiency)
- Calm the fetus (restless fetus from spleen deficiency)
- Improve appetite and digestion
- Fatigue and weakness
Active Constituents
The key compounds responsible for this herb's therapeutic effects:
Usage & Dosage
How to Use
Decoction (soup base), powder, tincture, capsule, pill. Often used in combination formulas (e.g., Si Jun Zi Tang, Liu Jun Zi Tang). Can be used raw (Sheng Bai Zhu) or stir-fried (Chao Bai Zhu - more spleen-tonifying).
Suggested Dosage
Decoction: 6–15 g daily; powder: 1–3 g daily; tincture: 2–4 mL 2–3x/day; capsules: 500 mg 2–3x/day. In formulas, the dosage varies by preparation. Stir-fried Bai Zhu is preferred for spleen tonification; raw for drying dampness and promoting water metabolism.
Quality & Storage
Harvest Season
Rhizomes are harvested in autumn (October–November), from plants 2–3 years old. After digging, they are cleaned, sun-dried, and then processed (sliced, or stir-fried with bran for medicinal use). Yuqian (Yuqian, Zhejiang) atractylodes is considered the highest quality.
Quality Indicators
Dried rhizome: thick, firm, yellowish-white interior with strong aromatic scent. Should be heavy and solid, not light and hollow. The best quality is large, plump, with clear "chrysanthemum heart" pattern inside. Yu Bai Zhu (from Zhejiang) is considered premium. Stir-fried Bai Zhu should have a slightly browned appearance and roasted aroma.
Storage
Airtight container in cool dry place. Protect from moisture and insects. Dried rhizome lasts 2–3 years. Slices should be inspected periodically for mold.
Safety Information
Contraindications
Yin deficiency with dryness (drying nature can worsen)Constipation from yin deficiency or heatHigh fever from excess heatPregnancy (generally safe in formulas under guidance, but use cautiously)Breastfeeding (insufficient data)Stomach yin deficiency with dry mouth and tongueQi stagnation with distension (use cautiously with moving herbs)
Possible Side Effects
- Generally safe when used appropriately and in proper dosage
- Rare: mild digestive upset
- May cause constipation in those with yin deficiency (drying effect)
- Allergic reaction (rare - in those sensitive to aster family)
- Generally very mild side effect profile
Drug Interactions
- Blood thinners (anticoagulants) - may increase bleeding risk (mild)
- Diabetes medications (may lower blood sugar - monitor)
- Diuretics (additive diuretic effect)
- Immunosuppressants (may counteract effect)
- Generally mild-moderate interaction potential
Note: Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have medical conditions, or take medications.
References & Research
Information on this page is based on traditional herbal knowledge and modern scientific research. For a comprehensive list of references, please refer to our full citations page.
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The FDA has not evaluated these statements. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal supplements.
Related Herbs
Red Jujube Date
Ziziphus jujuba
Red jujube is the dried fruit of the Chinese date tree, a small tree native to China. It has been cultivated for over 4,000 years and is one of the five major fruits of ancient China. Jujubes are both food and medicine in Chinese culture. There are hundreds of varieties, with the large, sweet dates from Xinjiang being particularly prized today. Dried jujubes are used in thousands of Chinese herbal formulas as a "harmonizing" herb.
Codonopsis Root
Codonopsis pilosula
Codonopsis is a climbing vine with bell-shaped flowers and a thick, sweet root. It is often called "poor man's ginseng" because it has similar qi-tonifying effects but is much milder and more affordable. While not as potent as ginseng, codonopsis is gentler on the system and can be used long-term by most people. It is one of the most commonly used qi tonics in Chinese medicine.
Poria Cocos (Fu Ling)
Wolfiporia extensa / Poria cocos
Poria is a fungus that grows underground on the roots of pine trees, forming a large, hard, woody sclerotium (fungal mass) that can weigh several kilograms. It is one of the most widely used fungi in Chinese medicine and appears in more formulas than almost any other herb. Poria is valued for its dual ability to both tonify the spleen and drain dampness - a unique combination. It is very mild and safe for long-term use.