Common Name: Bai Zhu

General Information

Atractylodes macrocephala is an erect, herbaceous, perennial plant growing 20 - 60cm tall. It produces a cluster of stems, branched from the base, growing from a thick rhizome[].
A commonly used traditional medicine in China, where the plant is widely cultivated for medicinal use[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Japan, Korea, China, Vietnam

Habitat

Pastures and waste ground[]. Grassland and forests; at elevations from 600 - 2,800 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Atractylodes macrocephala tolerates temperatures down to at least -15°c[].
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Bai Zhu is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine[]. It is a bitter-sweet tonic herb that acts mainly upon the digestive system and strengthens the spleen[, ].
The root is antibacterial, antiinflammatory, antitussive, cholagogue, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, sedative, stomachic and tonic[, , ]. It is used in the treatment of poor appetite, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, gastritis, chronic diarrhoea, peptic ulcers, oedema and spontaneous sweating[]. It is often used in conjunction with other herbs such as Codonopsis tangshen and Glycyrrhiza uralensis[]. Combined with Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) it is used to prevent miscarriage[].
The roots are harvested in the autumn and baked for use in tonics[].

The root contains an essential oil, glucoside and inulin[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the following spring or early summer.