Bái Zhú · Atractylodes rhizome
Bái Zhú (白术, Atractylodes rhizome) is a herb of Warm nature and Bitter, Sweet flavor, in the “Qi Tonifying” category. Tradition uses it to strengthen Spleen Qi, Dry Dampness, Stop Sweating.
Energetic profile
- Pinyin name
- Bái Zhú
- Characters
- 白术
- Botanical name
- Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.
- Family
- Asteraceae
- Part used
- Rhizome
- Nature
- Warm
- Flavor
- Bitter, Sweet
- Meridians
- Spleen, Stomach
- Category
- Qi Tonifying
- Toxicity
- Non-toxic
- Pregnancy
- No contraindication described (always consult)
- Origin
- China
Actions according to tradition
- Strengthen Spleen Qi
- Dry Dampness
- Stop Sweating
- Calm Fetus
Traditional uses
- Spleen Qi deficiency with fatigue
- Chronic diarrhea
- Edema
- Spontaneous sweating
- Threatened miscarriage
Studied effects and current applications
- Improves digestion
- Reduces edema
- Stops spontaneous sweating
- Stabilizes blood sugar
- Supports pregnancy
Applications under investigation
- Chronic fatigue
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Diabetes support
- Recurrent infections
- Pregnancy support
An effect being investigated does not mean it has been proven in humans.
Contraindications and adverse effects
Absolute contraindications
- Yin deficiency with dry mouth
- Acute fever
Relative contraindications
- Constipation
- Qi stagnation
- Pregnancy
- Actually used to prevent miscarriage. Calms fetus.
- Breastfeeding
- Safe during breastfeeding.
- Children
- Commonly used for children with weak digestion.
- Older adults
- Safe and beneficial for digestion.
Possible adverse effects
- Constipation (in dry constitution)
- Abdominal distension (excessive dose)
When to stop
- Persistent constipation
- Signs of heat
Interactions with medications
| Group | Drugs | Severity | Effect and recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hypoglycemic agents | Metformin, Insulin, Glibenclamida | Moderate | Polysaccharides can enhance the hypoglycemic effect Monitor blood glucose in diabetics. |
| Diuretics | Furosemida, Hidroclorotiazida | Mild | Possible mild additive diuretic effect Monitor electrolytes with prolonged use. |
Reference dose
- Decoction
- 3-9 grams daily
- Powder
- 1-3 grams daily
- Extract
- As per label
- Tincture
- 2-4 ml (1:5) 2-3 times daily
- Acute use
- 1-2 weeks
- Chronic use
- 1-3 months
- Maximum
- Long-term generally safe
- Children
- Reduce dose for children.
Forms of preparation
Simmer 6-9g in 2 cups water for 20-30 min.
Traditional preparation
Approximate doses from the literature; they are not a prescription. Consult a professional.
Active compounds
Lactonated sesquiterpenes (atractylodes) and polysaccharides
Acetylonic sesquiterpene · Digestive tonic, gastric protector
Gastric ulcer inhibition, intestinal motility stimulation · 0.3-0.8%
Sesquiterpene glycosides · Immunomodulator, antitumor, anti-inflammatory
Macrophage activation, NF-κB inhibition, apoptosis induction · 0.1-0.3%
Heteropolysaccharides · Immunostimulant, hypoglycemic, spleen tonic
Immune cell activation, postprandial glucose reduction · 15-30% in aqueous extract
Sesquiterpenes (essential oil) · Neuroprotective, antifungal, antispasmodic
Calcium channel blockade, acetylcholinesterase inhibition · 30-60% of essential oil
Harvesting and processing
- Harvest
- Autumn (October-November), 2-3 year old plants
Rhizomes harvested when the aerial parts turn yellow. The soil is cleaned, secondary roots are removed and dried. The larger rhizomes are called 大白术 (dà bái zhú) and are of better quality.
Rhizome cleaned, boiled briefly to facilitate cutting, cut into 3-5 mm slices and dried in the sun or with gentle heat. Brief boiling inactivates enzymes but preserves polysaccharides.
Slices mixed with hot wheat bran (10 g bran per 100 g of grass) in a pan, fried, stirring until the bran is smoking and the slices are golden brown. The bran is removed with a sieve.
Fried slices with heated oven soil (灶心土 Zào Xīn Tǔ). The earth acts as a heat intermediary and adds astringent properties that strengthen the Spleen.
Formulas it appears in
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
