Latin Name: Atractylodes alba
Alternate Names: Pai Shu, Bai Zhu, Bak Sut
Family: ASTERACEAE
Parts Used: Rhizome.
Properties: Carminative, Chi Tonic, Diuretic, Immune Stimulant, Liver Tonic, Restorative, Stomach Tonic, Tonic.
Internal Uses: Anemia, Diarrhea, Edema, Fatigue, Fever, Gastroenteritis, Night Blindness, Poor Appetite, Profuse Perspiration, Vomiting
Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.
Atracylodes helps to strengthen the muscles of the legs and regulate spleen function. The herb is considered a supreme energy tonic. It is a digestive, urinary stimulant, and tonic for the liver.
Culinary uses: Cooked into immune building soups.
Energetics: Bitter, Sweet, Warm.
Chemical Constituents: Atractylol, atractylone, eudesmol, hinesol.
Contraindications: Do not use if one has bleeding ulcers or suffers from dehydration.
Comments: In ancient China, it was used to treat syphilis.
The common name Atractylodes also includes the species Atractylodes macrocephalae and Atractylodes ovata, which are used interchangeably with Atractylodes alba.