We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Medical Uses of Atractylodes?

By Maggie J. Hall
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 5,175
Share

Atractylodes, also commonly called bai zhu, is a plant frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine as treatment for gastrointestinal and genitourinary disorders. Indigenous to Chinese mountain valleys, these plants are reputedly used by Asian athletes as an energy enhancer. Considered a chi tonic, Atractylodes is a common ingredient found in many Chinese herbal preparations.

Oriental herbalists believe that these plants enhance the performance of the various organs in the digestive tract, including the liver, the spleen, and the stomach. The Chinese believe that the herb has positive effects on the meridians of the body. Black and white species of Atractylodes are frequently prescribed by Chinese physicians for abdominal pain, diarrhea, and vomiting along with appetite loss. This alternative medicine is also commonly prescribed for edema, as practitioners believe the plant possesses diuretic properties. Atractylodes can also be used for dizziness and mental fatigue.

As a chi tonic, the Atractylodes supplement reportedly restores metabolic function by improving appetite, which enhances energy levels. Chinese physicians recommend the herbal treatment for nutritional deficiencies that include anorexia, hypoglycemia, and malnutrition in addition to malabsorption disorders. Other conditions for which the herb might be prescribed are metabolic acidosis and rheumatoid arthritis. Some women use atractylodes for miscarriage prevention or to calm overly restless unborn children. Asian patients suffering from breast, cervical, stomach and uterine tumors have also taken the herb.

The substance usually extracted from Atractylodes is an oil containing acetylenes, butenolide B, and various forms of atractylon. Other chemical components are lactones, polysaccharides, and sesquiterpene, along with vitamin A. The white herb is generally only available in Chinese food stores and pharmacies and is commonly given in the form of an extract, decoction, powder, or tea. Preparations are usually made from the rootstalk of the plant, and choice plants must be aromatic, firm, and large.

Some American physicians believe the herb is safe for consumption when doses do not exceed 1.32 grams daily. Health care providers also suggest not taking the Atractylodes supplement for longer than seven weeks at a time. The atractylenolide chemical found in the herb can produce dry mouth, nausea, and an unpleasant lingering aftertaste. There are no listed drug interactions associated with the herb.

The plant belongs to the Asteraceae/Compositae family and may induce an allergic reaction in some people. Other plants in this species include chrysanthemums, daisies, and marigolds, along with ragweed. People are generally advised to consult with a health care provider before taking this herbal supplement.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-medical-uses-of-atractylodes.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.