Atractylodes General Information
Atractylodes is an herb that has been used in Chinese herbal medicines for centuries, bitter and pungent in flavor, yet warm in nature. Atractylodes is native from Manchuria and Korea to Northern and Eastern China and Japan. It grows in mountain valleys, especially in China’s Zhejiang province. It is in flower from July to August and the seeds ripen from August to September. The flowers are dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both the male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). This plant can grow in many different soils, but needs to be well drained. Atractylodes is one of the most important and commonly used herbs used in Chinese Tonic herbalism. It is found in the majority of formulations that are designed to build qi (life force or as we would say, immune system).
Atractylodes Uses & Scientific Evidence For
The main part of this herb used is the Rhizomes/roots; usually taken as decoction, simply put, a decoction is your basic infusion juiced up to induce stubborn roots, barks and resins to release their medicinal properties. While most plants will yield their properties to cold or boiling hot water in a matter of minutes, some require a much longer period of time, say 30 minutes or more. This herb acts on the spleen and stomach channels. One of its properties removes dampness from the body; the other is a warm property that dispels the cold. Atractylodes can help expel wind-cold from the superficial parts of the body, and cold-dampness and excessive fluid in the spleen and stomach; therefore, Atractylodes are indicated for treating diseases caused by dampness no matter what is in the exterior or the interior of the body. The Atractylodes herb is widely used to strengthen digestion and assimilation and to move moisture through the body. It can help stimulate the appetite for those who need it, but it also helps reduce the appetite in those who overeat. Taking Atractylodes supplements and exercising heavily or performing other types of hard physical activity, will promote muscle growth. Athletes use this herb to build powerful muscle and to provide physical endurance. This herb is helpful for those who tend to experience diarrhea, bloating, abdominal pain, vomiting and fatigue, especially during the summer and in hot climates. Atractylodes is commonly used in formulas for conditions that are associated with poor fluid movement in the body such as edema, phlegm retention, and vertigo.

In China, this herb has an important anti-cancer reputation for Cervical, Mammary, Stomach and Uterine tumors. Science there has been tested with positive results

Atractylodes Dosage Information
Atractylodes come in various forms. Many practitioners recommend taking 10 – 30 drops of Atractylodes extract 2 – 3 times per day or as needed. For best results, read and follow product label directions. As always, please discuss any questions with your Doctor/Health Care Provider.

Atractylodes Safety & Interaction Information
There are no known safety issues or interactions associated with Atractylodes when taken in the recommended doses. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known. However, because of its diuretic properties, patients who are dehydrated should not take it.

Atractylodes / Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae Supplements & ProductsAtractylodes Supplements and products that contain atractylodes.