Cāng Zhú (苍术) — Atractylodes Rhizome

On this page

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

1. Overview

Cāng Zhú (苍术) — Atractylodes lancea rhizome — is known in English as black atractylodes or grey atractylodes. It belongs to the category of Aromatic herbs that transform Damp in the Chinese Materia Medica. While its close relative Bai Zhu primarily tonifies Spleen Qi, Cang Zhu primarily dries and disperses Damp — the two are often distinguished as “Bai Zhu tonifies, Cang Zhu drains”.

I prescribe Cāng Zhú as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula. Online consultations are available.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Dries Damp and strengthens the Spleen
2. Expels Wind-Damp and relieves Bi (painful obstruction) syndrome
3. Induces sweating and releases the Exterior (in Cold-Damp invasion)
4. Brightens the eyes (for night blindness and dry eye from Liver deficiency)

Indications

1. Damp-Cold obstructing the Spleen and Stomach — abdominal distension, fullness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, fatigue, heavy body sensation
2. Damp Bi syndrome — achy heavy joints, especially of the lower body
3. Wind-Cold-Damp exterior invasion — aversion to cold, fever, body aches without sweating
4. Atrophy disorders from Damp-Heat in the lower body
5. Damp-Heat skin conditions and leucorrhoea (combined with cooling herbs)
6. Night blindness and dry eye from Liver Blood deficiency

4. Key formulas containing Cāng Zhú

• Ping Wei San — the foundation Damp-resolving formula for the middle jiao
• Er Miao San — Cang Zhu plus Huang Bai for Damp-Heat in the lower jiao
• San Miao San / Si Miao San — expansions of Er Miao San
• Yue Ju Wan — the “six stagnations” formula (Damp, Qi, Blood, Phlegm, Food, Fire)
• Cang Fu Dao Tan Tang — Cang Zhu and Xiang Fu for Phlegm-Damp with PCOS pattern

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

5. Modern research

The principal bioactive constituents of Atractylodes lancea include atractylodin, β-eudesmol, hinesol and atractylon — aromatic sesquiterpenes responsible for its characteristic odour and pharmacological activity. Research demonstrates anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective and prokinetic effects, supporting its traditional use in functional digestive disorders. β-eudesmol has documented anti-allergic and neuroprotective activity. The herb’s vitamin A precursors underpin its classical indication for night blindness.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid in Yin deficiency with internal Heat (the herb is drying and warming). Use with caution in patients with constipation, dry mouth or other Yin-deficient signs. Not recommended in pregnancy without specialist guidance.

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. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Cāng Zhú as part of tailored formulas for conditions including weight loss with Phlegm-Damp, bloating, IBS with diarrhoea, and damp-related joint pain. I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally.

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.