Introduction to Cang Zhu (Atractylodes)01 Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) refers to the dried rhizome of the perennial herbaceous plants, Atractylodes macrocephala or Atractylodes lancea. Atractylodes macrocephala is irregularly bead-shaped or nodule-shaped, slightly curved, occasionally branched, measuring 3-10 cm in length and 1-2 cm in diameter. The surface is gray-brown, with wrinkles, transverse grooves, and residual fibrous … Read more
1. Aliases Shan Jing, Chi Zhu, Ma Ji, Qing Zhu, Xian Zhu. 2. Plant Morphology The rhizome is horizontal or obliquely ascending, with adventitious roots. The stem is erect, reaching up to 100 cm, solitary or clustered in small numbers, with the basal leaves falling during flowering; the middle and lower stem leaves are nearly … Read more
Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) Alias: Chi Zhu, Qiang Tou Cai, Ma Ji, Qing Zhu, Xian Zhu. Source: The rhizome of the Asteraceae plant, either Nan Cang Zhu or Bei Cang Zhu. It can be harvested in spring or autumn, with autumn being preferable. After harvesting the rhizome, remove the residual stems, fibrous roots, and soil, then … Read more
Click the blue text to follow us Cang Zhu, originally named Zhu, is first recorded in the “Shennong Bencao Jing” (Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica) and classified as a superior herb. In Zhang Zhongjing’s “Shanghan Lun” (Treatise on Cold Damage), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) is used, while Tao Hongjing in the “Mingyi Bielu” (Record of … Read more
Traditional Chinese Medicine Herb GardenCang Zhu (Atractylodes) This product is the dried rhizome of the Asteraceae plant, either Cang Zhu (Atractylodes lancea) or Bei Cang Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala). The former is mainly produced in Jiangsu, Hubei, and Henan provinces, with the highest quality coming from the Maoshan area in Jiangsu, hence the name “Ma Cang … Read more
PinyinCānɡ Zhù AliasChì Zhù (Chi Atractylodes, by Tao Hongjing), Mǎ Jì (by Shuō Wén Xì Zhuàn), Qīng Zhù (by Zhang Gun in Shuǐ Nán Hàn Jì), Xiān Zhù (by Gāng Mù). Source《Zhèng Lèi Běn Cǎo》 OriginIt is the rhizome of the Asteraceae plant, either Nán Cāng Zhù or Běi Cāng Zhù. It can be harvested … Read more
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Five Elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water, corresponding to the five organs: Liver, Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney, and the seasons: Spring, Summer, Late Summer, Autumn, and Winter. Late Summer refers to the period from the Summer Solstice to the End of Heat, during which heat and … Read more
A healthy spleen and stomach lead to fewer illnesses; a good spleen and stomach can be nurtured through dietary therapy.Natural products are the best “tonics” for the spleen and stomach. Herbs, vegetables, fruits, and other natural foods, regardless of their value, can all benefit the spleen and stomach. By skillfully using readily available materials in … Read more
Editor’s Note Coix seed (Yi Yi Ren) is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is also a food-medicine dual-purpose ingredient. It can strengthen the spleen and drain dampness, relieve pain and diarrhea, clear heat and expel pus, and promote urination without harming the body’s vital energy. It supplements spleen qi without being greasy, … Read more
【Properties】Sweet; bland, slightly cold 【Meridians】Spleen; Lung; Kidney (What does it mean to feel nostalgic about Coix Seed?)Coix Seed is a well-known medicinal and edible material. When Coix Seed is mentioned, one can easily envision its round and plump appearance, and even imagine the aroma of a soup made with coix, winter melon, and pork bones. … Read more