Latin Name
Atractylodes macrocephala

General Description
The aromatic rhizome of the herb known as atractylodes (white) is primarily a tonic. Classified in traditional Chinese medicine as bitter, sweet, and warm, it is believed to improve digestion and counter fatigue. A good specimen is large, firm, and fragrant, with a yellowish white cross section.

Target Ailments
Taken internally for:

• Diarrhea, fatigue, lack of appetite, vomiting, chronic gastroenteritis
  
• Spontaneous sweating
  
• Abdominal pain and bleeding during pregnancy
  
• Edema (the accumulation of fluid in the body) and reduced urination

Preparations
Over the counter:
The herb is available fresh and in dried form from Chinese pharmacies, Asian markets and some Western health food stores.

At home:
Dried atractylodes is used to increase urination. To stop diarrhea, the dried herb is stir-fried before it is decocted.
Combinations: A mixture with unripened bitter oranges is prescribed for loss of appetite. Vaginal discharges are treated with a preparation containing both white and black atractylodes. Poria, cinnamon twig and atractylodes make a preparation for chest congestion. Combined with astragalus and wheat grain, the herb is believed to provide relief from spontaneous sweating. Consult a Chinese herbalist for information on specific dosages and other herbal combinations.

Special Information

• Laboratory rats fed preparations of atractylodes suffered anemia and an impairment of their lymph systems.
  
• In several experiments on animals, the herb has indicated a strong diuretic effect, while tests on humans have shown mixed results.
  
• Animal experiments have also shown a lowering of blood glucose as a result of taking atractylodes.