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Cang Zhu (蒼朮), the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea, strongly dries dampness and strengthens the Spleen, dispels wind-damp, and induces sweating to release exterior dampness; more drying and dispersing than Bai Zhu.
Latin / Pharmaceutical Name
Atractylodes lancea (Rhizoma Atractylodis)
Common English Name
Black atractylodes rhizome
Taste
Acrid, bitter
Temperature
Warm
Channels Entered
Spleen, Stomach
Actions & Functions
- Dries dampness and strengthens the Spleen
- Dispels wind-damp (painful obstruction)
- Induces sweating and releases the exterior (exterior damp)
- Benefits the eyes (night blindness)
Indications
Damp obstructing the Spleen with abdominal distension, nausea and loose stools; wind-damp painful obstruction; exterior wind-cold-damp; and night blindness.
Dosage
3-9 g in decoction.
Common Combinations
With Hou Po and Chen Pi (Ping Wei San) to dry damp and harmonise the Stomach; with Huang Bai (Er Miao San) for damp-heat.
Cautions & Contraindications
Drying; avoid in yin deficiency with heat and in profuse sweating from qi deficiency.
