Ingredient Name: Atractylodes, atractylodes lancea, bai zhu, dong zhu, xia zhu
Traditional Chinese Name: 白朮 (bai zhu)
What is this?
- This is the rhizome of a plant in the genus that is similar to that of the daisy
- The rhizome is dried and the stems and roots are cut from it
- The atractylode is a common Chinese herb and is bitter and warm in characteristics
- It is used to treat dampness (ideal for the Spring), reduce sweating, promotes digestion and acts on the spleen and stomach
- It is primarily used in Chinese medicines more than soups (used in teas)
- Good condition bai zhu is slightly sticky to texture and moist
How do I prepare it?
- Soak in warm water for 10 minutes and rinse before usage
Where can I buy this?
- Some wet marts will have this in the herbal shops
- Chinese medicine shops will definitely have this as well (and it does come in various sizes)
What is the cost?
- This is not an expensive herb
- It is commonly sold together with other ingredients (for the tea you want to make)
Any benefits?
- It is used to treat dampness (ideal for the Spring), reduce sweating, promotes digestion and acts on the spleen and stomach
- It is slightly warm, but does also remove heatiness (by carrying some heat out of the body through elimination of dampness)
- It improves the overall immune system
- Atractylodes is also anti bacterial and helps lower blood sugar levels
Any precautions?
- Take caution when serving to children (use in moderation as with all Chinese medicine)
- If you’ve got a naturally warm body, use with caution as sometimes “warm” ingredients or soups will make you heated
- Be sure to purchase from a reputable source
Additional Information
- Store in a dry and cool place (up to 6 months)
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