Atractylodes

High-Protein Diet Slideshow

What does Cang Zhu do?

Cang Zhu is a Chinese Herb that is utilized to dry dampness of the Spleen and Stomach, expel wind-cold dampness, and strengthen the Spleen. Some symptoms that can be associated with Dampness and Spleen deficiency are: vaginal discharge, lack of appetite, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gastric distention, and a greasy, thick tongue coating. Cang Zhu is prescribed to induce sweating and relieve headaches and body aches that are due to wind-damp-cold. It is thought to improve night vision and improve vision that is beginning to diminish. It is also used to treat nausea, vomiting, distention, diarrhea, and vaginal discharge and bring relief to swollen and sore joints. When combined with other herbs it t may be effective in treating vomiting, fever, excessive sweating, chest congestion, diarrhea, swelling and weakness of the lower extremities, skin lesions, cataracts, glaucoma, and night blindness. It is may increase excretion of salts in urine.

Should my health care professional be advised before I take Cang Zhu?

It is always good to keep your health care practitioner updated on medications, herbals, supplements or other therapies you may be participating in. They should be consulted first if you have any of these conditions: If you are suffering from diarrhea or loose watery stools. If you have been diagnosed with Diabetes Mellitus. If you are currently taking medications or other treatments. A tendency towards allergic reactions to other medicines, herbs, foods, dyes, or preservatives.

Are there other times my health care professional needs to be advised before I take Cang Zhu?

They should be consulted first if you are: Pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Breast-feeding. If you plan to administer this herb to a child.

When is Cang Zhu usage contraindicated?

If you suffer from excessive sweating due to a Yin or Qi deficiency combined with interior heat.

How should I take this herb?

Cang Zhu can be taken as a tea, tincture, capsules, or extract. However the raw, fresh herb is usually recommended. Part of the plant utilized: rhizome

What should the dosage be?

Dosages are usually based on the individual, severity of the symptoms and the type of problem. See a Dr. of Chinese Medicine for more information. Generally, 4.5 - 9 grams. A good quality root should be aromatic, solid, large, lacking small hairs, and have a cinnabar colored cross section.

What other medicines may interact with Cang Zhu?

Unknown

What side effects may I notice from taking Cang Zhu?

If you experience any uncomfortable side effects, stop usage immediately and report them to your health care professional. Cang Zhu may increase excretion of salts in urine.

What do I need to watch out for with Cang Zhu?

Cang Zhu is considered a very drying herb as s.c. patients are often prescribed something to take in conjunction with the herb to counter this effect. As with western medicinal herbs, care should be taken with purchasing. Incorrectly labeled products and/or the presence of contaminants, adulterations, or substitutions have all been reported in conjunction with herbal products.

Where can I keep my herbal product?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30°C (59 and 86°F) unless otherwise specified. If purchasing a pre-prepared product (capsules, etc) look at the expiration date, throw away the unused portion after the date has expired. Raw herbs, tinctures, ointments, etc all have varying life spans. Generally, an herbal product will have the longest life span when it has been extracted in alcohol. It should be noted however that though it can make certain herbs more bioavailable, extraction in alcohol can reduce the effectiveness of others.

Can you tell me a little more about Cang Zhu?

Atractylodes lancea Thunb is a member of the Compositae family and is indigenous to China. It is known for its ability to transform dampness and strengthen the spleen. It is considered very drying. The source of it's first reference is thought to be the Materia Medica Arranged According to Pattern (Zheng Lei Ben Cao) Tang Shen Wei, Southern Song, 1082AD. It is often combined with other herbs in medicinal formulas. In Chinese medicine it is considered aromatic, acrid, bitter, and warm. It usually harvested either in the spring or fall.

Copyright 1999 RxList