01
Introduction to the Herb
Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) refers to the rhizomes of the plants Atractylodes macrocephala, Atractylodes lancea, and Atractylodes chinensis. It has a pungent and bitter taste, and is warm in nature. It belongs to the Spleen, Stomach, and Liver meridians. Its functions include drying dampness, strengthening the Spleen, dispelling wind-dampness, and improving vision. It is indicated for conditions such as dampness obstructing the Spleen and Stomach, fatigue and lethargy, chest fullness and abdominal distension, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea, phlegm retention, and edema; exterior syndromes with phlegm, heavy pain in the head and body; bi syndrome with dampness predominating, joint and limb soreness and heaviness; atrophy, and night blindness.
02
Characteristics of the Herb
The main differences between Atractylodes macrocephala and Atractylodes lancea lie in their shape and active components.
In terms of characteristics, Atractylodes macrocephala is irregularly bead-shaped or nodular cylindrical, with a gray-brown surface and a firm texture. The cross-section of sliced Atractylodes macrocephala is yellowish-white or grayish-white, with very distinct orange-yellow or reddish-brown oil chambers, commonly referred to as “vermilion dots.” When exposed to air for a long time, Atractylodes macrocephala slices may develop white needle-like crystals on the surface, known as “frosting.” Many people mistakenly believe this is mold, but it is a normal phenomenon. Atractylodes macrocephala has a strong aroma, with many “vermilion dots” on the cross-section, indicating high quality, with a unique fragrance and a slightly sweet, pungent, and bitter taste. In contrast, Atractylodes lancea is lumpy and has a looser texture, with fewer yellow-brown oil chambers or “vermilion dots,” and does not produce white needle-like crystals. Its aroma is milder, with a pungent and bitter taste.
In terms of active components, although both are Atractylodes, their component contents differ. The volatile oil content in the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala is 5% to 9%, while that of Atractylodes lancea is 1.5%. The main components of the volatile oil include a mixture of atractylon, β-eudesmol, and atractylone, along with varying amounts of atractylone and atractyloside.
High-quality Atractylodes slices are characterized by a firm texture, many “vermilion dots” on the cross-section, and a strong aroma. Generally, Atractylodes macrocephala slices are considered the best quality.
03
Folk Remedies
【Night Blindness】 4 ounces of fresh pig liver sliced, 30 grams of Cang Zhu, 1 bowl of millet. Soak the millet in 3 bowls of water for 30 minutes, then use the soaking water to boil the pig liver and Cang Zhu until reduced to 1 bowl. Consume the pig liver and drink the soup before bed. For mild cases, 2 doses may show effect; for severe cases, 14 to 15 doses may be needed. 【Optic Nerve Atrophy】 18 grams of Cang Zhu, 3 grams of ginseng, 50 grams of crushed mother-of-pearl. First, crush the mother-of-pearl and boil for 30 minutes, then add Cang Zhu and ginseng to simmer together. Take 1 dose daily, twice a day for 7 days, with 2 to 3 courses, stopping for 21 days before resuming. 【Burns and Scalds】 Dry Cang Zhu as needed, grind into a fine powder, mix with sesame oil to form a paste, and apply to the burn area 3 times a day until healed. 【Diarrhea】 9 to 10 grams each of Cang Zhu and Hu Huang Lian powder, mixed with glutinous rice wine dregs to form a paste, and apply externally to the Shenque (CV8) point on the child’s abdomen, covered with plastic wrap and secured with a bandage. Apply 1 to 2 times daily for 4 to 6 hours for good efficacy.
04
Product Information
【Standards】 2020 Edition of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia
【Properties and Meridians】 Pungent, bitter, warm. Enters the Spleen, Stomach, and Liver meridians.
【Functions and Indications】 Dries dampness, strengthens the Spleen, dispels wind and cold, improves vision. Used for damp obstruction in the middle burner, abdominal distension, diarrhea, edema, beriberi, wind-damp bi pain, wind-cold common cold, night blindness, and blurred vision.
【Dosage】 3 to 9 grams.
【Storage】 Store in a cool, dry place.
【Manufacturer】: Hebei Shangchi Herbal Medicine Co., Ltd.
【Address】: 868 Dong’an Jiao Highway, Donghe Village, Anguo City, Baoding, Hebei Province
【Sales Phone】: 13241025193/13910533459 Manager Chi
【Content Source】: China Traditional Chinese Medicine Network & Chinese Pharmacopoeia