Bái Zhú (白术) — White Atractylodes rhizome

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Incompatibilities
7. Cautions and contraindications
8. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Bái Zhú (白术) — Atractylodes macrocephala — is known in English as White Atractylodes rhizome. It belongs to the category of Qi tonics in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Bái Zhú as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Tonifies the Spleen and augments Qi
2. Dries Dampness and promotes urination
3. Consolidates the Exterior and stops sweating
4. Calms the fetus — an important herb in pregnancy

Indications

1. Spleen Qi deficiency with Dampness — fatigue, poor appetite, bloating and loose stools
2. PCOS from Spleen deficiency generating Phlegm-Damp
3. Oedema and fluid retention
4. Spontaneous sweating from Wei Qi deficiency
5. Threatened miscarriage from Spleen Qi deficiency

4. Key formulas containing Bái Zhú

Bái Zhú appears in the following key formulas:

• Si Jun Zi Tang
• Liu Jun Zi Tang
• Wan Dai Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 88 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Atractylodes macrocephala is one of the most important Spleen-tonifying herbs in TCM and has been the subject of significant modern research. Key bioactive constituents include atractylone, atractylodin, polysaccharides and sesquiterpene lactones. Research confirms gastrointestinal motility-regulating effects (both stimulating and inhibiting depending on dose), immunomodulatory properties, anti-inflammatory effects and beneficial effects on gut microbiota. Bai Zhu polysaccharides have documented anti-tumour activity. Clinical research confirms benefits in digestive disorders, PCOS (improving insulin sensitivity) and as a uterine-calming agent in threatened miscarriage.

6. Incompatibilities

Bái Zhú (白术) White Atractylodes rhizome is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.

7. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in Yin deficiency with Heat, as the warm, drying nature can aggravate these conditions. Avoid in thirst from fluid deficiency.

Pattern contraindications

Contraindicated in Excess patterns (acute Heat, full Wind invasion, food stagnation, retained pathogens). Use cautiously where Damp accumulation is prominent — many Qi tonics are sweet and can be cloying. Avoid combining with simultaneous strong pathogen-clearing without the practitioner balancing the formula.

Modern drug interactions

Qi tonics can interact with corticosteroids, diabetes medications (variable effect on blood glucose) and antihypertensives. Tell your GP if you are taking warfarin, ciclosporin, antidiabetics or BP-lowering medication before starting a Qi-tonic formula.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

8. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Bái Zhú as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including PCOS, Digestive disorders, Miscarriage. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.