Cang Zhu (Atractylodes)

Chinese Name: 
Cang Zhu
English Name: 
Atractylodes
Functions and Usage: 
  • Strongly dries dampness, strengthens spleen - low appetite, diarrhea, epigastric distention, fatigue, vomiting, greasy tongue coat.
  • Expels wind-damp-cold (bi-syndrome) in extremities.
  • Clears damp-heat from lower burner (combine with clear-heat herbs, however, as this has a warm nature (for example, Er Miao San) - vaginal discharge, swollen and sore joints.
  • Induces sweating, release the exterior.
  • Improves vision.
Functional Groupings (Click for Summary/Study Notes): 
Dosage and Preparation Notes: 
  • Dosage: 4.5-9g
Channels Influenced: 
Temperature and Taste Properties: 
Contraindications: 
There are currently no contraindications listed.
Notes: 

There are no additional notes for this herb.

TCM Herbal Sources and More Information

The information on our site is drawn from our own lecture notes and clinical experience. The following lecture notes were used within this section:

  • Jin, Yan Ping: New England School of Acupuncture, CHM Pharmacopoeia I and II, Formulas I and II Lecture Notes

For a complete list of valuable resources, see our Herbal Medicine Resources section. The most recommended texts are below: