Atractylodes is a genus in the sunflower family.
Contents
Uses
Atractylodes is used for indigestion, stomachache, bloating, fluid retention, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss due to cancer, allergies to dust mites, and joint pain (rheumatism).
Atractylodes is used with other herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for treating lung cancer (ninjin-yoei-to) and complications of dialysis, a mechanical method for “cleaning the blood” when the kidneys have failed (shenling baizhu san).
Benefits
Now modern researches show that it can adjust gastrointestinal motility, fight ulcer, protect liver, improve immune system, relieve stress, enhance hematopoietic function, induce diuresis, fight oxidation, slow down aging, regulate blood sugar level, and fight cancer. Compared with the traditional applications, above-mentioned findings is perfectly in line with them, which to some extent gives more scientific proof to this amazing herb.
Cautions
Atractylenolide, a chemical found in atractylodes, seems to be safe when taken in appropriate amounts (1.32 grams daily) for a short period of time (up to seven weeks). It can cause nausea, dry mouth, and leave a bad taste in the mouth.
There isn’t enough information to know if other atractylodes products are safe.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of atractylodes during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Atractylodes may cause an allergic reaction in people who are sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others. If you have allergies, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking atractylodes.
Other Names
AMK, ATR, Atractylenolide, Atractylénolide, Atractylis lancea, Atractylis ovata, Atractylode Blanc, Atractylode Gris, Atractylodes chinensis, Atractylodes japonica, Atractylodes lancea, Atractylodes macrocephala, Atractylodes ovata, Atractylodis Radix, Bai Zhu, Bai-Zhu Atractylodes, Byaki-Jutsu, Cang Zhu, Cangzhu, Chang Zhe, Jutsu, Paekch’ul, Red Atractylodes, Rhizoma Atractylodis, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macroce, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, Rhizome d’Atractylode, So-Jutsu, White Atractylodes, White Atractylodis
References
Source: Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atractylodes
ChineseHerbsHealing, http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/bai-zhu-atractylodes-macrocephala/
Image source: http://chineseherbalsoups.com