Bái Zhú (白术) — White Atractylodes rhizome
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- 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
| Pinyin name | Bái Zhú |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 白术 |
| Latin name | Atractylodes macrocephala |
| English name | White Atractylodes rhizome |
| Nature | warm |
| Flavour | bitter, sweet |
| Channels entered | Spleen, Stomach |
| Category | Qi tonics |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Tonifies the Spleen and augments Qi
- Dries Dampness and promotes urination
- Consolidates the Exterior and stops sweating
- Calms the fetus — an important herb in pregnancy
Indications
- Spleen Qi deficiency with Dampness — fatigue, poor appetite, bloating and loose stools
- PCOS from Spleen deficiency generating Phlegm-Damp
- Oedema and fluid retention
- Spontaneous sweating from Wei Qi deficiency
- 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 70 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. 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.
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.
7. 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.
