Bai Zhu

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Pinyin Name: Bai Zhu

English Name: Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae

Other Names: Dong Zhu, Bighead Atractylodes Rhizome

Tastes: Sweet, Slightly Pungent

Origin: Zhejiang, Hubei, Hunan and Jianxi provinces in China

Benefits of Bai Zhu:

Bai Zhu is native to China. It is plucked in winter. It can adjust gastrointestinal motility, fight ulcer, protect liver, improve immune system, relieve stress, enhance hematopoietic function, induce diuresis, fight oxidation, slow down aging, regulate blood sugar level, fight cancer.

Common uses of Bai Zhu are to invigorate qi and strengthen the spleen, eliminate dampness and promote diuresis, stop sweat and prevent miscarriage. Common uses and indications are lack of appetite due to spleen deficiency, abdominal distension and diarrhea, dizziness and palpitation caused by phlegm and retained fluid, edema, spontaneous sweating, fetal irritability. Regular dosage is 6 to 12 grams.

Bai Zhu is widely used in Chinese herbal formulas. 1) Li Zhong Tang has four ingredient herbs include Bai Zhu, Ren Shen, Gan Cao and Gan Jiang. It is mainly used for epigastric distention, pain and difficulty in urination. 2) Si Jun Zi Tang has four ingredient herbs include Bai Zhu, Ren Shen, Gan Cao and Fu Ling. It is used for pale complexion, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, fatigue, light-colored tongue with white coating, and weak pulse.

Common herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine

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