Bai Zhu白朮
Rhizoma Atractylodis MacrocephalaeWhite atractylodes rhizome
Also known asYu Zhu · Chao Bai Zhu
- Category
- Herbs that tonify Qi
- Channels entered
- Spleen, Stomach
- Dosage
- 6–12 g
Actions & indications
- Tonifies the spleen and augments qi
- Tiredness, poor appetite, loose stools, abdominal distension after meals.
- Dries dampness and promotes urination
- Oedema, watery diarrhoea, reduced urination, retained thin fluids.
- Stabilizes the exterior and stops sweating
- Spontaneous daytime sweating in a person whose qi is weak.
- Settles a restless fetus
- Threatened miscarriage where the spleen qi is deficient.
Contraindications
Avoided where yin is deficient with heat signs, and where fluids are already scarce — it is a drying herb.
Preparation
Dry-fried to emphasize the spleen-tonifying action; used raw when the intention is to drain dampness.