White Atractylodes is a commonly used Chinese herbal medicine with the functions of tonifying the spleen and qi, drying dampness, promoting diuresis, stopping sweating, and calming the fetus. It can be used for symptoms such as poor appetite due to spleen deficiency, abdominal distension, diarrhea, phlegm and dampness, dizziness and palpitations, edema, spontaneous sweating, and restless fetus. Now let's understand the efficacy and selection method of White Atractylodes together.
I. Efficacy of White Atractylodes
1. Tonifying qi, invigorating the spleen, moisturizing dryness, and harmonizing the middle burner.
The spleen governs transformation and transportation, which is the foundation of postnatal life. White Atractylodes mainly acts on the spleen and stomach meridians, and it has significant therapeutic effects on symptoms such as decreased appetite, abdominal distension, loose stool, and weakness of the limbs caused by the decline of spleen and stomach function in middle-aged and elderly individuals.
According to the "Medical Origin," White Atractylodes can "eliminate dampness, invigorate dryness, invigorate qi, warm the middle burner, eliminate dampness in the spleen and stomach, relieve gastric heat, strengthen the spleen and stomach, promote food intake, quench thirst, and calm the fetus."
2. Strengthening the body and promoting diuresis and reducing swelling.
White Atractylodes helps to replenish the qi of the lung defense, thus helping the body better resist external pathogens and strengthening the body. It has a significant diuretic effect and is good at treating edema caused by kidney dysfunction, liver dysfunction, malnutrition, and pregnancy.
3. Calming the fetus and protecting pregnancy.
White Atractylodes is also commonly used to calm the fetus, nurture and protect pregnancy, especially suitable for pregnant women with weaker constitution. It has certain therapeutic effects on symptoms such as loss of appetite, poor food intake, loose stools, and habitual miscarriage during pregnancy. If there is lower back pain during pregnancy, it can be combined with Eucommia bark and Sang Ji Sheng to alleviate the discomfort.
4. Antioxidant and anti-aging.
White Atractylodes has antioxidant effects. It can effectively inhibit lipid peroxidation and reduce the content of lipid peroxides in tissues, thereby avoiding the damage of harmful substances to tissue cell structure and function.
II. Selection and Storage
The remarkable effects of White Atractylodes in tonifying qi, invigorating the spleen, and drying dampness can be affected by the quality and storage conditions.
High-quality White Atractylodes should have a grayish-yellow or grayish-brown surface with residual stem bases and bud scars at the top, firm texture that is not easily broken, and a flat cross-section. It should have a strong aroma and a slightly sticky texture when chewed. To prevent moisture and insect damage, White Atractylodes should be stored in a cool and dry place. During the rainy season, it can be stored in a room with sulfur fumigation. If it is infested with insects or molds, it can be exposed to the sun. In addition, Winter Atractylodes should not be stored for a long time in a room with sulfur fumigation, otherwise, it may become sour in taste.
