Cang Zhu - Atractylodes
TCM Materia Medica
Cang Zhu TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "cang zhu" which in english is 
"atractylodes", is categorized within the "aromatic herbs that transform dampness" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the spleen and stomach channels and exhibits acrid, aromatic, bitter (ku) and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 4.5-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Strongly dries dampness, strengthens spleen - low appetite, diarrhea, epigastric distention, fatigue, vomiting, greasy tongue coat.
- Expels wind-damp-cold (bi-syndrome) in extremities.
- Clears damp-heat from lower burner (combine with clear-heat herbs, however, as this has a warm nature (for example, Er Miao San) - vaginal discharge, swollen and sore joints.
- Induces sweating, release the exterior.
- Improves vision.
Cang Zhu may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: diarrhea, epigastric pain, fatigue and/or vomiting
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, cang zhu is generally included in the following 11 formulas:
ViewBan Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Wan (Pinellia, Atractylodis and Gastrodia Combination)
Nausea with possible vomitting from combination of damp with liver qi stagnation causing rebellious qi. Dizziness, migraines, and vertigo from damp and liver wind rising. Heavy or oppressed sensati…
ViewBao Ji Wan (Protect and Relieve Pills)
Cramping and/or painful distension of the abdomen. Foul smelling belching or gas with diarrhea due to heat in the intestine. May alleviate some hangover symptoms. Also useful to treat food poisoni…
ViewChu Kou Wei Wan (Chu Kou Wei Wan)
Acid reflux and/or burning sensation in the epigastrium, throat, or mouth from stomach fire. Ulcers, sores, or other types of abcess in the mouth due to persistent stomach heat. Constant sense of h…
ViewMu Xiang Shun Qi Wan (Saussurea Qi Promoting Pills)
Bloating, lower abdominal pain, sluggish bowels. Acid reflux/heartburn, nausea with possible vomitting after meals.
ViewPing Wei Wan (Calm the Stomach Powder)
Damp cold stagnation in the middle jiao - poor appetite, indigestion, gastritis, loose stools, heavy sensation of the limbs, fatigue. Can be used to induce labor with appropriate underlying diagnose…
ViewQian Lie Shu Wan (Prostate Comfort Pills)
Frequent and/or urgent urination, dribbling, incontinence. Treats Lin Syndrome conditions.
ViewQing Shu Yi Qi Tang Wan (Clear Summer Heat and Augment the Qi)
Please note that there are two formulas with the same name but slightly different compositions. One is from Wang's Wen Re Jing Wei and tonifies the yin more strongly, the other (which is the one dis…
ViewShu Jing Huo Xue Wan (Relax The Channels and Invigorate The Blood Decoction)
Primarily used for blood stasis with wind-damp in the channels and collaterals characterized by internal deficiency with external excesses - joint pain, muscle aches, numbness and/or pain in the lowe…
ViewSi Miao Wan (Four Marvels Powder)
Damp-Heat Bi-Syndromes in Chinese Medicine terms - arthritis with hot swollen joints. With the right underlying diagnosis both osteo-arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis would respond. Gout. Weakness…
ViewXiao Feng Wan (Clear Wind Pill)
Itchy and red skin lesions, possibly with weeping -psoriasis, eczema, acne, etc. Topical allergic response, dermatitis -poison ivy, oak, sumac. Acute [allergic] edema in the limbs.
ViewYue Ju Wan (Escape Restraint Pill)
An important formula for plum pit qi and related issues arising from qi stagnation (from many factors) - an oppressive sensation in the chest and/or diaphgram, gerd, reflux, indigestion, nausea, belc…
As noted above, cang zhu is within the aromatic herbs that transform dampness functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... the concept of dampness indicates a damp pathogenic influence which causes stagnation in the middle warmer (i.e. the stomach and spleen channels). general symptoms are - distension and fullness in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting or spitting…)".
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