The efficacy and function of Atractylodes macrocephala

Atractylodes lancea is a very common Chinese medicine and also a very important medicinal material. We need to pay attention to it. Atractylodes lancea can be used in combination with other medicines, and we need to take them appropriately according to our physical condition. Let’s take a look at the main effects and functions of the traditional Chinese medicine Atractylodes lancea.

【English Name】 Swordlike Atractylodes Rhizome

[Other names] Maoshu, Nan Cangzhu, Qionglongshu

[Source] It is the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC., a plant of the Asteraceae family . Dig up in spring and autumn, remove the mud and sand, dry in the sun, and remove the fibrous roots.

[Original form] Perennial herb, 30~60cm tall. Stem erect or slightly branched at top. The leaves are alternate, leathery, ovate-lanceolate or elliptical, with thorn-like teeth on the edges. The upper leaves are mostly unlobed and sessile; the lower leaves are often 3-lobed, with or without petioles. The inflorescence is terminal, with a whorl of pinnate-lobed involucres below; the involucre is cylindrical, with 6 to 8 layers of bracts; the flowers are bisexual or unisexual, mostly on different plants; the bisexual flowers have long pinnate pappus; the corolla is white, slender and tubular. Achenes are covered with yellowish-white hairs. The flowering period is from August to October, and the fruiting period is from September to October.

[Habitat distribution] Growing in sloping shrubs and grass. The main production areas are Jiangsu, Hubei, Henan and Anhui.

[Properties] The rhizome is irregularly beaded or nodular cylindrical, slightly curved, occasionally branched, 3~10cm long and 0.5~2cm in diameter. The surface is gray-brown with wrinkles, horizontal lines and root marks, and a stem-like apex. It is solid in texture, yellowish white or off-white in cross section, and has many reddish brown oil chambers. The aroma is unique. The taste is slightly sweet, spicy and bitter.

[Chemical composition] Contains volatile oil, the main ingredients of which are atractylodin, β-eudesmol, hinesol, hydroxy-atractylon, etc.

[Nature and flavor] Warm in nature, spicy and bitter in taste.

【Functions and indications】 Drying dampness and strengthening the spleen, removing wind, dispelling cold and improving eyesight. It is used for abdominal distension, diarrhea, edema, beriberi, paralysis, rheumatism, colds, and night blindness.

[Remarks] The rhizome of the same genus A. chinensis (DC.) Koidz. is also used as medicine.

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

The article introduces the effects and functions of Atractylodes lancea in detail. We hope that everyone can remember its common effects, which will help us to use Atractylodes lancea correctly in our lives. Atractylodes lancea can effectively improve our physical fitness and is very beneficial for improving our body's immunity.