Pinyin: Baizhu
Aliases
Shanji, Shanjing, Dongbaizhu.
Source
Asteraceae plant Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.)Atractylodes macrocephalaDried rhizome of Koidz.
Botanical Description
Perennial herb. Rhizome thick, tuberous. Stem 50-80 cm tall, branched in the upper part, woody at the base. Lower stem leaves with long petioles, leaf blade 3-lobed or pinnately 5-parted, lobes ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, 5-8 cm long, 1.5-3 cm wide, apex long acuminate, base attenuate, margin with long or short spinose cilia or appressed fine spinose teeth, terminal lobe larger; upper stem leaves with progressively shorter petioles, narrowly lanceolate, divided or undivided, 4-10 cm long, 1.5-4 cm wide. Capitulum solitary at branch apex, about 2.5 cm long, about 3.5 cm wide, basal bracts leaf-like, about 3-5 cm long, pinnatifid with spinose lobes; involucral bracts 5-8 seriate, membranous, imbricate, outer surface slightly puberulent, outermost short, ovate, apex obtuse, innermost multiseriate, apex obtuse, elongated; florets numerous, all tubular, corolla purplish-red, about 1.5 cm long, stamens 5, style slender. Achene oblong-elliptic, densely yellow-white tomentose, slightly compressed, about 7.5 mm long; pappus about 1.3 cm long, plumose, dirty white, base connate. Flowering September to October, fruiting October to December.
Habitat and Distribution
The wild species is extinct in its original habitat. It is now widely cultivated in various regions, with the largest quantity grown in Zhejiang.
Harvesting and Processing
Harvest when the lower leaves turn yellow and the upper leaves become brittle in winter, remove sediment, dry by baking or sun-drying, then remove the fibrous roots.
Yao.
Material properties
This product is irregular, thick, and lumpy, 3-13 cm long and 1.5-7 cm in diameter. The surface is grayish-yellow or grayish-brown, with nodular protrusions, intermittent longitudinal wrinkles and grooves, and rootlet scars. The apex has residual stem bases and bud scars. The texture is hard and not easily broken; the fracture is uneven, yellowish-white to pale brown, with scattered brownish-yellow, punctate oil cavities. In dried specimens, the fracture is horny in texture, darker in color, or has fissures. The odor is fragrant; the taste is sweet and slightly acrid, with slight stickiness when chewed.
Chemical Constituents
This product containsαHumulene, caryophyllene, eucalyptol, atractylenolide, scopoletin,γ- Sitosterol, etc.
Pharmacology
It has effects such as promoting gastrointestinal motility, preventing experimental ulcers, protecting the liver, promoting bile secretion, promoting urination, enhancing immunity, antioxidant, anti-tumor, lowering blood sugar, anticoagulant, antibacterial, dilating blood vessels, inhibiting the heart, and sedation.
Properties and Channel Entry
Bitter, sweet, and warm. Enters the Spleen and Stomach channels.
Functions and Indications
Tonifies the Spleen and boosts Qi, dries Dampness and promotes diuresis, stops sweating, and calms the fetus. Used for Spleen deficiency with poor appetite, abdominal distension and diarrhea, phlegm-fluid retention with dizziness and palpitations, edema, spontaneous sweating, and threatened miscarriage.
Dosage and Administration
Oral administration: decoction, 3-15 g; or in pill or powder form; or as an extract.
Precautions and Contraindications
Caution for yin deficiency with internal heat and depletion of body fluids.
Prescriptions
1. For spleen deficiency and abdominal distension: Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) 60 g, Jupi (tangerine peel) 120 g. Grind into powder, form into pills with wine paste, each pill the size of a Wutong seed (about 5 mm). Take 30 pills before meals with Muxiang (Saussurea costus) decoction. (From "Quansheng Zhimi Fang" Kuanzhong Wan) 2. For masses (abdominal masses), to promote digestion and strengthen the stomach: Baizhu 60 g, Zhishi (immature bitter orange, stir-fried with bran until yellow, with pith removed) 30 g. Grind both into very fine powder, wrap in lotus leaf and steam with rice to form pills, each pill the size of a Wutong seed (about 5 mm). Take 50 pills with plain water at any time. (From "Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun" citing Zhang Jiegu's Zhizhu Wan) 3. For incessant spontaneous sweating: Baizhu powder, take one Fangcunbi (approximately 1-2 g) with water. Take twice daily. (From "Qianjin Yaofang") 4. For wind-induced urticaria (hives): Baizhu powder. Take one Fangcunbi (approximately 1-2 g) with wine. Take three times daily. (From "Qianjin Yaofang") 5. For gastric upset (sour regurgitation and heartburn): Baizhu (stir-fried with earth) 120 g, Huanglian (Coptis chinensis, stir-fried with ginger juice) 60 g. Grind into powder, form into pills with Shenqu (medicated leaven) paste, each pill the size of a millet grain. Take over 100 pills with ginger decoction. (From "Jingyue Quanshu" Zhulian Wan)
