Dark Atractylodes, Cang Zhu 苍术 Cang Zhu (TCM) Atractylodes lancea(Photo by Tak56) (Wikimedia) Atractylodes Cang Zhu root(Adam, 2024) Botanical name: Atractylodes lanceaTwo different varieties are used in TCM: A. macrocephalae (White–Bai Zhu) A. lancea, A. chinensis (Dark–Cang Zhu) (Here) Parts used: Root, rhizome Temperature & Taste: Warm, dry. Bitter, sweet Classification: J. Aromatics that Resolve Dampness Uses: 1. Dries Damp, Strengthens the Spleen:-Damp obstructing the digestive system (poor appetite, loose bowels, nausea, fatigue)-stronger to dry damp but weaker to Tonify than the White.2. Clears Wind-Damp, Promotes Sweat:-acute Wind-Cold conditions (Chills, Fever, headache and body aches, nasal congestion)-Wind-Damp conditions (muscles and joint pain)3. Dries Damp, Promotes Urine:-Damp-Heat in the lower body (Damp-Heat in the legs, vaginal discharge, swollen sore joints)4. Benefit the Eyes:-Poor vision, Night-blindness Dose: The prepared types are used in the same doses as the unprepared root.Decoction: 3–9 gramsPowder: 1–3 grams Comment: 1. Two separate medicines come under the heading of Atractylodes: White (Bai Zhu) and Dark (Cang Zhu). The White is stronger to increase Qi and tonify the Spleen, for weakness and fatigue. The Dark is stronger to alleviate Damp and also promotes sweat due to its warm and aromatic nature. They are combined for cases with both…

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