Aidus & E-Fong Herbal Solution
Herbal Medicine for Dispelling Dampness - Cang Zhu
                                 
                           
                                      Cang Zhu

                              Atractylodes Rhizome
                             Rhizoma Atractylodis

This herb is the dried rhizome of the perennial herbs, Atractylodes cancea  (Thunb) DC and A. chinensis (DC) koiclz.
or A. japonica koiclz. ex kitam. (Family Compositae). The former is chiefly produced in the provinces of Zhe Jiang,
Jiangsu and Hubei. The latter two are mainly produced in He Bei, Inner Mongolia, Shan Xi and the provinces in
Northeast China. They are dug and collected in spring and autumn, dried in sunlight after removing the earth and the
remaining stems.
Properties: Being bitter and pungent in flavour, warm in nature, .it mainly acts on the spleen and stomach channels. The
pungent flavour is good for dispersion, the dry property benefit to remove dampness and the warm property can dispels
the cold. So, this herb possesses the functions of expelling the wind cold from the superficial parts of the body, as well
as the cold dampness and excessive fluid in spleen and stomach. It is therefore indicated for the diseases caused by
dampness no matter whether it is in the exterior or the interior of the body.
Effects: Eliminating dampness, strengthening the spleen, dispelling wind  and cold, relieving exterior syndrome.
Indications:
1. For the syndromes of dampness retention in the middle jiao, poor appetite and loose stool, oppressive chest, mass in
the abdomen, and white and greasy tongue coating, it is often used in combination with the drugs for removing
dampness, promoting Qi circulation and relieving abdominal distention, such as Chen Pi (tangerine peel) and Hou Pu
(magnolia bark), known as Ping Wei San (Peptide Posere) .
2. For arthralgia due to wind cold and dampness, it is often used in combination with Fang Feng (ledebouriella root),
Qiang Huo (notopterygium root) and Wei Ling Xian (clematis root). In cases of arthralgia caused by dampness heat, it
is often used in combination with the medicines for clearing heat and dampness, such as Huang Bo (phellodendron
bark), Yi Yi Ren (coix seed), etc. For treating affection by exopathogens marked by aversion to cold and fever, it is
used in combination with Fang Feng (ledebouriella root), Bai Zhi (dahurian angelica root) and Chuan Xiong (rhizome) to
dispel wind, cold and dampness and alleviate pain.
In addition, it is benefit to vision and so used for night blindness.
Dosage and Administration: 5 ~10g. The prepared Cang Zhu (atractylodes rhizome) is of ten used for removing
dampness and strengthening the spleen, and the unprepared for dispelling wind to relieve exterior syndrome.
Modern Researches: In animal experiments, its decoction showed insignificant diuretic action, but it increases the
excretion of sodium and Calcium by urination and lowers the blood sugar level. The volatile oils contained in it has
sedative function. This herb is plentiful of vitamin A, so it can be used to cure night blindness and keratomalacia.