Black Atractylodes Rhizome (Cāng Zhú, 苍术), from the plant Atractylodes lancea, is one of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Known for its powerful ability to dry dampness, strengthen digestion, and support metabolic health, it has been trusted for centuries. We proudly offer high-grade, geo-authenticated Cang Zhu for herbalists and wellness enthusiasts alike.
| Why It Works | Health Benefits | Chinese Theory |
|---|---|---|
| Contains active compounds like Atractylenolide I, II, III that reduce inflammation and support immune balance | Improves digestion, reduces bloating, and relieves nausea | Enters Spleen and Stomach meridians to dry Dampness and strengthen the middle burner |
| Regulates gut motility and balances microbiota for better nutrient absorption | Supports healthy metabolism and may assist in weight management | Warms the digestive fire and transforms internal Damp-Phlegm |
| Modulates cytokine activity, supporting inflammatory response and immune defense | Alleviates joint pain, especially in damp-related conditions like arthritis | Dispels Wind-Damp and opens meridian pathways |
| Acts as a mild diuretic and detoxifier through increased fluid metabolism | Promotes urination, reduces water retention and edema | Drains Dampness through the spleen, and protects the yang Qi |
| Protects liver cells and shows antioxidant properties in modern studies | May support liver function and improve skin clarity | Restores Spleen Qi and clears Damp-Heat accumulation |
Research shows that Black Atractylodes Rhizome contains essential bioactive compounds such as Atractylenolide I, II, and III, which exhibit the following benefits:
| Compound | Function |
|---|---|
| Atractylenolide I | Anti-inflammatory, immune support |
| Atractylenolide II | Antimicrobial, digestive aid |
| Atractylenolide III | Supports liver, potential anti-tumor action |
Typical daily dosage: 3–10 grams in decoction form. It is often combined with complementary herbs depending on the condition being treated.
Popular Combinations
| Herb | Purpose of Pairing |
|---|---|
| Bai Zhu | Balances spleen tonification with less dryness |
| Hou Po | Boosts digestive function and damp elimination |
| Huo Xiang | Relieves nausea and harmonizes the stomach |
| Ze Xie | Promotes urination, reduces damp accumulation |
No. White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu) is gentler and more tonifying, while Black Atractylodes (Cang Zhu) is more drying and dispersing.
Yes, if balanced correctly in formulas and monitored for signs of dryness or heat.
Indirectly, yes. It improves digestive metabolism, reduces bloating, and may support fat metabolism.
Explore our top-quality Black Atractylodes Rhizome today and experience a time-tested herb trusted for digestive, metabolic, and immune support.
Common Name: Atractylodes Black, Black atcratylodes root, Atractylodes lancea rhizome, Swordlike Atractylodes, Chinese Atractylodes Rhizome
Botanical Name: Rhizoma Atractylodis
Pin Yin Name: Cang Zhu
Atractylodes Black Dosage: Consult your healthcare provider for your correct dose.
Atractylodes Black Precautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not use with loose, watery bowels.
Atractylodes Black is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb to expel wind-damp-cold, dry dampness, induce sweating and ease pain. It is also used as a tonic. Atractylodes Black benefits vision, supports normal digestion, eases extremity pain and body aches. Atractylodes Black contains apoptogenic, anticoagulant, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, expectorant and diuretic properties.
Atractylodes Black Herb Category: Herbs That Release the Exterior: Warm, Acrid Herbs that Release the Exterior
Atractylodes Black Properties: Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
Atractylodes Black Channels / Medians: Stomach, Spleen, Liver
Atractylodes Black Naturally Occurring Components: atractylol, hinesol, β-eudesmol, β-selinene, elemol, 3β-acetoxy-attractylol, 。Vitamin A, Vitamin B, inuli, essential oils
| Feature | White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 白术) | Black Atractylodes (Cang Zhu, 苍术) |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical Species | Atractylodes macrocephala | Atractylodes lancea |
| TCM Nature & Flavor | Warm, sweet, slightly bitter | Warm, pungent, bitter |
| Main Function | Tonifies the Spleen, strengthens Qi, stops diarrhea | Strongly dries Dampness, improves digestion, dispels Wind-Damp |
| Primary Use | Weak digestion, fatigue, loose stools, edema | Damp obstruction, poor appetite, bloating, joint pain |
| Processing Method | Often stir-fried (Chao Bai Zhu) for enhanced Spleen tonification | Typically stir-fried with bran or ginger to reduce drying effect |
| Best For | Chronic digestive weakness and Spleen Qi deficiency | Acute damp conditions, heaviness, and musculoskeletal issues |
| Common Formulas | Si Jun Zi Tang, Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Ping Wei San, Ba Zheng San |
| Contraindications | Not ideal for patients with excess or damp-heat conditions | Avoid in Yin deficiency or dryness without dampness |
| Flavor & Aroma | Mild and earthy, easier to tolerate | Strong, pungent, and aromatic |
Patchouli Coix Seed Nutgrass Stephania Bai Zhi Magnolia Bark
References:
http://alternativehealing.org/cang_zhu.htm
https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/cang-zhu
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/atractylodes-macrocephala-extract
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Cang-Zhu-Cid3245
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7521906/
NuHerbs Lab Tested
Herbal Information for Andrographis Herb in Cut Form
Nu Herbs Lab Tested
Uncaria spp. (Gou Teng): The Hooked Vine That Calms the Mind and Balances the Body Few herbs in the world of Traditional Chinese Medicine offer the remarkable versati
Herbal Information for Eleuthero Root in Organic Powder Form Eleuthero root powder is a versatile and powerful herb that offers a host of benefits for the body and mind. Whether you're looking to...
Starwest Botanicals
Versatile 6x8 Reusable Muslin Bags: Your Eco-Friendly Solution for Tea Introducing Our Eco-Friendly 6x8 Reusable Muslin Bags: Versatile, Stylish, and Sustainable!
ActiveHerb
Cordyceps .9x Mushroom Extract Granules: Potent Energy and Immune Support Cordyceps mushroom extract granules are a concentrated form of the Cordyceps mushroom, specifically prepared for ease of
Nuherbs Organic
Herbal Information on Organic Japanese Bushy Knotweed Rhizome in Bulk Powder Form Hu Zhang: Unveiling the Miraculous Benefits of Japanese Knotweed Hu Zhang, also known as Jap
Thrive Through Fall: Immunity Power Herbs for a Healthier Season 1 pound each of Cut Astragalus Root, Cut Ginger, and Whole Forsythia Fruit. As the crisp autumn air arrives and the leaves begin...
ActiveHerb
Herbal Information for Raw Rehmannia Root Single Extract FormSheng Di Huang: A Comprehensive Overview
Z Natural Products
Herbal Information for Organic Turmeric Powder What Is The Historical Use Of Turmeric Root?Turmeric root has been used for over 4,000 years in various cultures for its medicinal, culinary, and
Plum Flower
Forsythia Fruit (Lian Qiao): Powerful Antiviral Herb for Immune Support, Detox, and Cold & Flu Relief in Traditional Chinese Medicine In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) forsythia fruit is used...
ActiveHerb
Herbal Information on Isatis Root in 6X Extract Granule Form Unlocking the Power of Ban Lan Gen: A Comprehensive Guide to Isatis Root Powder Introducti
ActiveHerb
Herbal Information on Scutellaria Root in Concentrated Granules Comprehensive Guide to Huang Qin (Scutellaria Baicalensis)