State/School

California License Exam, Pacific College Comps

Pharm Name

Atractylodis Rhizoma

Common Name

Cang-Zhu Atractylodes Rhizome

Category

Aromatic Herbs that Transform Dampness

Ingredients

Taste

Acrid, Bitter

Pao Zhi

Dry-fried to reduce its acrid & dispersing properties while enhancing its ability to harmonize the middle jiao & transform dampness.

Temperature

Warm

Action / Indication

1. Strongly dries dampness and strengthens the Spleen: for dampness obstructing the middle burner and blocking the transportive and transformative functions of the Spleen. Symptoms include reduced appetite, diarrhea, epigastric distention and pressure, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, and a thick, greasy tongue coating.
   
2. Induces sweating and dispels wind-dampness: for exterior conditions due to wind-cold-dampness as well as wind dampness. Symptoms include chills, fever, headache, body aches, and nasal congestion.
3. Clears dampness from the lower burner: for damp-heat pouring downward (as in leg qi and some forms of atrophy disorders), vaginal discharge, and swollen, sore joints. Although this herb is warm, it is very effective for drying dampness; when combined with herbs that clear heat, it is used for damp-heat disorders.
4. Improves the vision: for night blindness or diminished vision with a rough sensation in the eyes.

Treatment Principles

Dries Dampness
Improves Spleen Functions
Expels Wind-Damp
Releases The Exterior
Clears Damp-Heat
Improves Vision

Contraindication

Profuse sweating, yin deficiency heat.

Dosages

4.5-9g, decocted. Use unprocessed to strongly dry and dispel dampness, or dry-fried to stop diarrhea.

Meridians

SP, ST

Tom's Comment

1. Unlike Bai Zhu, Cang Zhu is not a spleen tonic. It strengthens the Spleens function to address dampness.
2. Cang Zhu is a warming substance that dries dampness. When used for Clearing Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao, it needs to be combined with herbs that Clear Heat.

Source

Formula Type