Bai Zhu

Atractylodes macrocephala

Physical Characteristics

Atractylodes macrocephala is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.4 m (1ft 4in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required).. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan and Korea.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Diuretic Sedative Stomachic Tonic Bai Zhu is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine[238]. The root contains an essential oil, glucoside and inulin[283]. It is a bitter-sweet tonic herb that acts mainly upon the digestive system and strengthens the spleen[238, 254]. The root is antibacterial, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, sedative, stomachic and tonic[176, 238]. It is used in the treatment of poor appetite, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, chronic diarrhoea, oedema and spontaneous sweating[176]. It is often used in conjunction with other herbs such as Codonopsis tangshen and Glycyrrhiza uralensis[238]. Combined with Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) it is used to prevent miscarriage[254]. The roots are harvested in the autumn and baked for use in tonics[238].

Known Hazards

None known