Atractylodes lancea, commonly known as Cang Zhu in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a medicinal herb with a long history of use. It is derived from the dried rhizomes of two plant species, Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC. and Atractylodes chinensis (DC.) Koidz.
This herb is traditionally harvested during the spring and autumn seasons, meticulously prepared, and has a wide range of therapeutic applications in TCM.
Botanical Characteristics
- Family: Asteraceae (the daisy family)
- Part Used: Dried rhizomes
- Taste: Bitter and slightly pungent
- Temperature: Warm
- Meridians: Spleen, Stomach, Liver
Medicinal Uses
Atractylodes lancea is known for its various therapeutic properties:
- Dampness Dispelling: It is commonly used to eliminate dampness in the body, particularly in the middle burner (spleen and stomach). This property makes it effective for treating conditions characterized by abdominal fullness, diarrhea, and edema.
- Wind Dispelling: Atractylodes lancea is also used to dispel wind and cold conditions. It can be beneficial in cases of wind-cold invasion, such as colds and flu.
- Improves Digestion: In TCM, it is believed to strengthen the spleen and improve digestion, making it valuable for individuals with spleen deficiency.
- Vision Enhancement: Some traditional uses suggest that it can help with vision problems, especially night blindness and blurred vision.
- Anti-rheumatic Effects: Atractylodes lancea is used to alleviate rheumatic pain, particularly when dampness is involved.
Traditional Combinations
In TCM, Atractylodes lancea is often used in combination with other herbs for enhanced efficacy:
- For Dampness Dispelling: When dealing with conditions caused by spleen deficiency leading to dampness, it is combined with herbs like Poria cocos (Fu Ling) and Alisma plantago-aquatica (Ze Xie).
- For Wind Dispelling: To address wind-cold conditions, it can be combined with herbs such as Coix seed (Yi Yi Ren) and Saposhnikovia divaricata (Fang Feng).
- For Wind-Cold with Dampness: When both wind-cold and dampness are factors, it may be used in conjunction with herbs like Notopterygium root (Qiang Huo) and Saposhnikovia divaricata (Fang Feng).
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Dosage and Preparation
Atractylodes lancea is typically decocted or brewed as a tea. The recommended dosage is 3-9 grams per day, depending on the condition being treated.
Contraindications
According to “Ben Cao Gang Mu” (Compendium of Materia Medica), it is advised to avoid combining Atractylodes lancea with foods like peaches, plums, sparrow meat, turnip greens, and greenfish.
Production Areas
Atractylodes lancea is primarily cultivated in several Chinese provinces, including Jiangsu, Henan, Hebei, Shanxi, and Shaanxi. The highest quality Atractylodes lancea is said to come from the Maoshan area in Jiangsu.
Historical Significance
In traditional Chinese medicine, Atractylodes lancea has been recognized for its ability to dispel wind and dampness, strengthen the spleen, and alleviate various health issues. Historical texts like “Ben Cao Gang Mu” highlight its significance in the treatment of conditions related to wind and dampness, such as rheumatic pain and digestive disorders.
Atractylodes lancea continues to be a valuable herb in TCM, with a rich history of traditional use and a growing body of research supporting its therapeutic potential. As with any herbal remedy, it is essential to consult a qualified healthcare professional or TCM practitioner before incorporating it into your healthcare regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
