Rhizome of Swordlike Atractylodes … Classic Formulas
Cang Zhu · Rhizoma Atractylodis
Primary Actions
- Strongly dries dampness and strengthens the Spleen ... Cang Zhu is used for heaviness, poor appetite, loose stool, foggy head, and damp obstruction of the middle burner.
- Expels wind-damp and relieves painful obstruction ... textbook use includes body aches, swollen painful joints, and damp-cold patterns affecting mobility.
- Induces sweating and improves vision clouded by dampness ... older teaching includes exterior-damp patterns and visual dullness linked with damp obstruction.
Classic Formulas
- Ping Wei San ... classic formula for dampness obstructing the middle burner with fullness, heaviness, and poor appetite.
- Er Miao San ... pairs Cang Zhu with Huang Bai for damp-heat pouring downward into the legs or lower burner.
- Exterior-damp combinations with Qiang Huo or Fang Feng ... used when heaviness, body pain, and damp obstruction travel together.
Classical Text References
- Traditional herbology describes Cang Zhu as acrid, bitter, and warm, entering the Spleen, Stomach, and Liver to dry dampness, strengthen the Spleen, dispel wind-damp, and improve vision.
- Its clinical personality is more drying and dispersing than Bai Zhu, which is why the two Atractylodes medicinals are not interchangeable.