Atractylodes): A Key Herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Cang Zhu, also known as Black Atractylodes Rhizome, is a fundamental herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Renowned for its ability to dispel dampness and strengthen the Spleen, Cang Zhu plays a vital role in various herbal formulas aimed at restoring balance and promoting overall health.
What is Cang Zhu - Black Atractylodes Rhizome?
Cang Zhu is the dried rhizome of the plant Atractylodes lancea or Atractylodes chinensis, belonging to the Asteraceae family. It is characterized by its dark brown to black color and a strong, aromatic scent. The herb is primarily grown in China, particularly in the provinces of Jiangsu, Anhui, and Hebei.
Mechanisms of Cang Zhu
1. Dispelling Dampness
One of the primary functions of Cang Zhu is to eliminate dampness from the body. In TCM, dampness refers to an accumulation of fluids that can hinder the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to symptoms like lethargy, swelling, and digestive issues. Cang Zhu works by:
- Aromatic Transformation: Its pungent aroma helps to penetrate and dry dampness.
- Promoting Diuresis: Encourages urination to expel excess fluids.
2. Strengthening the Spleen
The Spleen in TCM is responsible for transforming food into Qi and blood. Cang Zhu helps to tonify the Spleen, enhancing its ability to:
- Improve Digestion: Alleviates symptoms like poor appetite, bloating, and diarrhea.
- Boost Energy Levels: By improving nutrient absorption, it combats fatigue and weakness.
3. Inducing Sweating and Expelling Wind-Dampness
Cang Zhu has a warm nature that can induce sweating, which helps in:
- Releasing the Exterior: Treats exterior syndromes like colds and fevers.
- Alleviating Pain: Eases joint and muscle aches associated with wind-dampness.
4. Improving Vision
An interesting aspect of Cang Zhu is its ability to brighten the eyes. It is used to:
- Treat Night Blindness: Helps improve vision in low-light conditions.
- Alleviate Eye Disorders: Reduces symptoms like blurry vision and dry eyes.
Importance of Cang Zhu in TCM
Cang Zhu holds significant importance in TCM due to its versatile therapeutic effects:
- Core Herb for Dampness: It is one of the primary herbs used to address dampness-related disorders.
- Foundation for Many Formulas: Often included in classical prescriptions to enhance the efficacy of other herbs.
- Balance and Harmony: Helps restore the body's equilibrium by addressing both the root cause and symptoms of ailments.
How is Cang Zhu Used?
1. Decoction
The most common method is preparing a decoction:
- Dosage: Typically 3-12 grams, depending on the condition.
- Preparation: Boiled in water for 20-30 minutes.
- Combination: Often combined with other herbs like Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) for dampness or Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) for Spleen deficiency.
2. Topical Applications
Used in ointments or plasters:
- Relieves Pain: Applied to areas affected by arthritis or muscle aches.
- Treats Skin Conditions: Helps with eczema and fungal infections due to its drying properties.
Conclusion
Cang Zhu (Black Atractylodes Rhizome) is a multifaceted herb that plays a crucial role in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Its ability to dispel dampness, strengthen the Spleen, and alleviate various ailments makes it an indispensable component in many herbal formulations. Whether used alone or in combination with other herbs, Cang Zhu continues to be a valuable remedy for those seeking to restore balance and harmony in their bodies through traditional methods.
Herbal Information for Cang Zhu in Cut Form
Product Description
Common Name: Atractylodes Black
Botanical Name: Rhizoma Atractylodis
Channels/Medians: Stomach, Spleen
Pin Yin Name: Cang Zhu
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: One Pound (1 lb.)
Form: Cut Form, Lab-Tested
Origin: China
Brand: Nuherbs Lab Tested
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Do not use with loose, watery bowels. Yin Deficiency: Not recommended for individuals with yin deficiency and heat signs, as it is warming and drying. Fluid Deficiency: Should be used cautiously if there is a lack of body fluids.
Black Atractylodes Properties
- Spicy
- Bitter
- Warm
- Aromatic
- Tonic
- Dries Dampness
- Expels wind-damp-cold
- Benefits Vision
Supportive Actions:
- Dries damp and strengthens the spleen
For damp obstruction or accumulation in the Middle Jiao. Improves and eases abdominal and epigastric distension. Benefits stomach ailments such as nausea and vomiting. The middle Jiao is everything between the diaphragm and the umbilicus, which includes the middle back, and upper abdomen. - Dispels wind, sweating and releases the exterior
For wind damp exterior disorders with symptoms such as headaches, body aches and fever associated with chills. Additionally aids in blocked nasal passages and a lack of sweating.
- Dries Dampness in the Lower Jiao
Cang Zhu supports for damp heat conditions such as Damp Leg Qi, aching and swollen joints. - Improves the Eyes
Assists in enriching eye health, and diminished vision.
Check out our How to Use Bulk Herbs page to see how to use herbs correctly. Our web page is constantly expanding, as of today we have articles on:
- How to make salves, poultice, tinctures, teas, capsules, gargles, and foot bathes.
About Nuherbs Lab Tested Quality
Each batch of herbs is dual-lab tested by our in-house lab and independent third party lab. Our in-house lab is equipped with instruments such as a high performance liquid chromatography, moisture determination meter, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometer, gas chromatograph, etc.
In addition, the following additional tests are performed:
- Micro bacteria
- Pesticides - over 200 pesticides tested for (Uab 2000 screen).
- Heavy Metals - Lead, Mercury and Arsenic
Traditional Chinese Herbs encompasses the use of different parts of plants, such as the leaves, roots, stems, flowers, and seeds. These plant parts are often used as a tea, decoctions, extracts, made into capsules or even a footbath. These bulk herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony and balance.
We encourage you to educate yourself on herbs and supplements, by researching reputable sites, and books. Having an open discussion with your physician on what will be most beneficial for your health issues. And lastly discussing interaction of herbs and pharmaceuticals with your pharmacist or physician.
References:
alternativehealing.org
https://tcmwiki.com/wiki/cang-zhu
http://www.itmonline.org/arts/atract.htm
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/CangZhu.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C%C4%81ng_zh%C3%BA
