Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) - Chinese Herbal Medicine

Chinese Name: Cang Zhu
English Name: Atractylodes

Clinical Usage and Indications

  • 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 Groups (Click for Summary/Study Notes)

Dosage and Preparation Notes

  • Dosage: 4.5-9g

Channels/Meridians Influenced

Associated Temperature and Taste

Cautions and Contraindications

There are currently no contraindications listed.

Staff Clinician Notes

There are no additional notes for this herb.

Herbal Formulas Which Include This Herb

Below you will find Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal formulas which contain this particular herb (in alphabetical order). You may click on the name of the formula for more details or click on any of the products from our store to read usage information or purchase a particular formula.

  • Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Wan

    Formula Functions...  

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  • Bao Ji Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Empirical formula for food poisioning.  Also useful for overeating, excessive drinking - over indulgence in general.  Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, belching, reflux, nausea, vomiting, aversion to food, possibly diarrhea.


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  • Chu Kou Wei Wan

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  • Qian Lie Shu Wan

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  • Xiao Feng Wan

    Formula Functions...  

    Itchy and red skin lesions, possibly with weeping, comprising such conditions as psoriasis, eczema, acne, dermatitis, etc.

    The Pulse will generally be forceful, floating and rapid and the Tongue will have a yellow or white tongue coating.


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