Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herb. Its rhizome is either horizontally or obliquely ascending, thick and long, often appearing in a nodular form, with numerous roots that are of equal thickness and length or nearly equal in length.
It flowers and bears fruit after June. Generally, it is harvested in spring and autumn, with the best medicinal properties found in Cang Zhu harvested after autumn. After digging up the roots, the aerial parts are removed, and when they are about 90% dry, they are burned over a low flame to remove the roots. Natural drying is preferred. It is best sliced and can be used raw or stir-fried with wheat bran.
Cang Zhu has a pungent and strong flavor, with the ability to dry dampness and strengthen the spleen. As the ancients said, “No other herb can eliminate all dampness and swelling like this one.”
The ancients placed great importance on Cang Zhu. For example, the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing states, “Long-term use lightens the body, prolongs life, and prevents hunger.” The Yao Jing mentions, “To achieve longevity, one should consume mountain essence, which refers to Cang Zhu.”
Cang Zhu has been used for epidemic prevention throughout history
Cang Zhu has a robust aroma and strong scent. As early as the Han Dynasty, Zhang Zhongjing noted that Cang Zhu could “ward off all evil qi.” In ancient times, Cang Zhu was frequently used as a preventive medicine against epidemics.
For instance, in the Songfeng Shuo Yi, among 65 formulas for epidemic prevention, Cang Zhu was the most frequently used herb, appearing 116 times. Li Shizhen from the Ming Dynasty also stated, “In times of illness and at the beginning of the year, families often burn Cang Zhu to ward off evil qi.”
The Ben Cao Gang Mu also records the custom of burning Cang Zhu to ward off evil qi during epidemics or at the start of the year; especially in gloomy places where people had not lived for a long time, ancient people often chose to fumigate with Cang Zhu before moving in.
The Chinese Herbal Medicine Dictionary records that Cang Zhu has significant antibacterial effects and is often used for air disinfection.
In folk practices, Cang Zhu is used to disinfect the air by bundling the natural herb together and burning it, producing a thin smoke that not only emits a pleasant fragrance but also repels mosquitoes, refreshing the spirit.
In modern applications, during the SARS outbreak, Shenzhen utilized Cang Zhu smoke for air disinfection, achieving significant results. Statistical data shows that there are 860 research articles on Cang Zhu, with 56 related to COVID-19 prescriptions.
Cang Zhu varieties
Cang Zhu mainly comes from wild resources and is widely distributed across the country. Different regions have various classifications for Cang Zhu, generally divided into Bei Cang Zhu (Northern Atractylodes), Mao Cang Zhu (Hairy Atractylodes), and Guan Cang Zhu (Guan Atractylodes). Currently, the Pharmacopoeia includes Mao Cang Zhu or Bei Cang Zhu.
1. Bei Cang Zhu (also known as Jin Cang Zhu or Hai Cang Zhu)
The Cang Zhu commonly seen in the market is primarily Bei Cang Zhu, which is looser in texture, with a break surface showing oil spots of brownish-yellow color, offering good cost-effectiveness and is the most popular in the market.
2. Mao Cang Zhu (also known as Han Cang Zhu or Nan Cang Zhu)
Mao Cang Zhu is mainly found in wild resources in Hubei, Xuancheng in Anhui, Wuning in Jiangxi, and Hanzhong in Shaanxi. It is commonly believed that Mao Cang Zhu is of better quality than Bei Cang Zhu. In terms of identification, Mao Cang Zhu is solid, with a break surface showing oil spots of orange-yellow or reddish-brown color, commonly referred to as “vermilion spots,” and is slightly more expensive than Bei Cang Zhu.
3. Guan Cang Zhu
Guan Cang Zhu is mainly distributed in the northeastern regions of Heilongjiang and most of Jilin, northern Liaoning, and parts of Inner Mongolia. It has a dark brown surface, is lighter in weight, with an uneven break surface, and has a fibrous texture. It has a unique aroma and a pungent, bitter taste.
In daily life, while everyone should pay attention to hand hygiene, wear masks scientifically, ensure good ventilation, avoid gatherings, and maintain a “one-meter line” as preventive measures, they can also wear sachets made from Cang Zhu and use Cang Zhu and other herbal smoke for disinfection; this can help disinfect the air and environment.
Precautions: When using smoke disinfection in a room, be cautious of fire hazards. Ensure that people leave the area, wait for the smoke to extinguish, and then ventilate the room.
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