Atractylodes or Bai Zhu

Ingredient Name: Atractylodes, atractylodes lancea, bai zhu, dong zhu, xia zhu

Traditional Chinese Name: 白朮 (bai zhu)

• 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)