Aromatic Herbs that Transform and Dissolve Dampness
Cang Zhu 苍术
Rhizoma Atractylodis Black Atractylodes Rhizone
✓ CALE Exam ✓ National Exam
Materia Medica Data
- Temperature
- Warm
- Nature & Flavour
- Spicy, Bitter, Warm, Aromatic
- Channels Entered
- SP, ST
- Latin (pharmaceutical)
- Rhizoma Atractylodis
- Chinese
- 苍术
- Tone Marks
- cāng zhú
Chinese Herb Actions
- Dries Damp and Strengthens the Spleen For Damp obstruction or accumulation in the Middle Jiao with symptoms such as low appetite, abdominal and epigastric distension and fullness, diarrhea or loose stool, nausea and vomiting, a heavy sensation in the body, and a thick greasy tongue coating.
- Dispels Wind and Damp, Induces Diaphoreses (Sweating), and Releases the Exterior For Wind Damp exterior disorders with symptoms such as headaches and body aches, fever, chills, blocked nasal passages, and an absence of sweating.
- Dries Dampness in the Lower Jiao When combined with the appropriate heat clearing herbs, Cang Zhu can be used to treat damp heat conditions such as Damp Leg Qi, aching and swollen joints, and vaginal discharge.
- Improves the Eyes For night blindness or diminished vision.
Chinese Herb Dosage
- 5-10 grams
Chinese Herb Contraindications & Cautions
- Use with caution in cases with Yin Deficient heat or in cases with spontaneous or excess sweating due to Wei Qi Deficiency.
Herb-Drug Interactions
- May interfere with Anti-Diabetic drugs.
Sources & References
Compiled and edited by Thomas Dehli, Founder & Editor, Sacred Lotus
The information here is referenced from numerous sources — teachers, practitioners, class notes from Five Branches University, the books below, and the published research literature, with citations given as resolvable PubMed identifiers. Where sources disagree, I have flagged the discrepancies directly. If facts couldn't be verified, I have left them out. How we source our content.
Reference information for students and practitioners — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner. Terms of use.
Chinese Herbs Books & References
https://amzn.to/3WfB3DK
https://amzn.to/3DR1VUh
https://amzn.to/42aMz73
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