Asteraceae · rhizome
White atractylodes
Atractylodes macrocephala
Rhizome mapped as Bai Zhu: strengthens Spleen and dries damp in Four Gentlemen and Jade Windscreen neighborhood.
Safety first
Asteraceae allergy. Dries damp — can over-dry Yin in the wrong pattern. Not functional dyspepsia as a Rome diagnosis.
Tradition vs trials
Traditional record. Bensky: Bai Zhu tonifies Spleen Qi, dries damp, and stabilizes the exterior in some formulas.
Trial literature. Atractylenolide pharmacology is mostly experimental.
Practical ranges
Educational ranges — not a prescription. Culinary use is not an extract.
rhizome in formulas
Pharmacopoeia decoction ranges of several grams in formulas
Chinese Pharmacopoeia / Bensky — Educational range only — not a prescription. A licensed clinician individualizes product, dose, and duration.
Pregnancy, nursing, children
- Pregnancy. Classical use in some threatened-miscarriage formulas is not DIY clearance.
- Nursing. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
- Children. Insufficient reliable data; avoid unless a clinician directs otherwise.
Contraindications
- Asteraceae allergy
- Yin-deficiency dryness as a reason to pile on Bai Zhu unsupervised
Key interactions
- diuretics · note
Traditional damp-drying plus modern diuretics is a clinician conversation.