Roots and rhizomesTonifyingRhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae

Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome)

白朮 · Bai Zhu

Tonifying herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Fortifies the spleen, boosts qi, dries dampness, promotes urination, stops sweating, calms the fetus.

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Quick Facts

Latin NameRhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae
Chinese Name & Pinyin白朮 · Bai Zhu
Medicinal PartRoots and rhizomes
Efficacy CategoryTonifying
Botanical OriginThe dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (Compositae).
Nature & FlavourBitter, Sweet; Warm
Channels EnteredSpleen, Stomach

What Is Bai Zhu?

Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui.

Nature & Flavour: Bitter, Sweet; Warm
Channels Entered: Spleen, Stomach

Bai Zhu: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae

Botanical Origin

The dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. (Compositae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Zhejiang, Hunan, Hubei, Anhui.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is large, firm, with yellowish-white fractured surface, and a potent aroma.

Macroscopic Features

Fist-shaped lumps, 3~13cm long, 1.5~7cm diameter. Externally grayish-yellow or grayish-brown, with growth-like projections and intermittent longitudinal wrinkles and rootlet scars; apex has remnants of stem base and sprout scar. Hard, not easily broken; fractured surface is not flat and yellowish-white to pale brown, with brownish-yellow oil spots scattered throughout. Clean fresh aroma odor; taste sweet and slightly acrid, sticky when chewed.

Traditional TCM Properties

Bitter, Sweet; WarmSpleenStomach

Traditional Functions

Fortifies the spleen, boosts qi, dries dampness, promotes urination, stops sweating, calms the fetus. Apply to deficiency-weakness of spleen, anorexia, and abdominal distension, and loose stools, dizziness induced by phlegm and retained fluids, edema, spontaneous perspiration, restless fetal movement.

How Bai Zhu Is Used in TCM

In the Chinese materia medica, Bai Zhu is classified among the Tonifying herbs. It appears in 34 classical formulas in our library.

Formulas containing Bai Zhu are traditionally used for:

DiarrheaAbdominal PainBloatingEmotional DepressionPoor AppetiteStomach DiscomfortIndigestionSpleen Qi DeficiencyMental FogExcessive MucusCold LimbsEdema

Classical Formulas Containing Bai Zhu

+8 more

Herbs Commonly Combined with Bai Zhu

Bai ShaoChen PiFang FengRen ShenFu LingBan XiaMu XiangSha RenZhi Gan CaoShan YaoBai Bian DouLian Zi

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bai Zhu, and is it the same as Cang Zhu?
Bai Zhu (白术) is the dried rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. The pharmacopoeial name is Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma. Cang Zhu is the rhizome of Atractylodes lancea or A. chinensis—same genus, different species. Older texts sometimes used “Zhu” for both; today they are distinct: Bai Zhu tonifies the Spleen; Cang Zhu dries dampness and disperses. They are not interchangeable. Yuqian Bai Zhu from Zhejiang is a traditional premium grade.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Bai Zhu?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Bai Zhu is bitter, sweet and warm, enters the Spleen and Stomach channels, and acts to strengthen the Spleen and boost Qi, dry dampness and promote urination, stop sweating, and calm the fetus. It is used for poor appetite, abdominal distention with diarrhea, phlegm-fluid dizziness, edema, spontaneous sweating and restless fetus from Spleen deficiency. It is often called the foremost herb for the Spleen.
How does Bai Zhu differ from Cang Zhu?
Bai Zhu is stronger to tonify and milder to dry; it also stops sweating and calms the fetus. Cang Zhu is stronger to dry dampness, and can release the exterior, expel Wind-Damp and brighten the eyes. Use Cang Zhu when damp excess predominates; use Bai Zhu when Spleen deficiency predominates. They are often paired when deficiency and dampness coexist, with the ratio set by pattern.
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Learn More About Bai Zhu

Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Bai Zhu.

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Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.

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