Rhizoma Atractylodis Preparata
Fū Chǎo Cāng Zhú (Bran-stir-fried Atractylodes Rhizome) is a Chinese medicinal substance. It is a prepared decoction piece made by slicing the dried rhizome of Atractylodes lancea or Atractylodes chinensis and stir-frying it together with wheat bran.
Efficacy & Actions
Strengthens the spleen, harmonizes the stomach, and improves eyesight.
Indications
Bran-stir-fried Atractylodes Rhizome (Fū Chǎo Cāng Zhú) is primarily used to treat spleen-stomach disharmony, phlegm-rheum stagnation, epigastric and abdominal stuffiness and fullness, blurred vision (green blindness), and night blindness (sparrow vision), among other conditions.
Modern Pharmacology
It exhibits superior effects compared to the raw product in protecting the gastric mucosa, promoting gastric emptying, regulating gastrointestinal motility, improving digestive and absorptive function, and providing hepatoprotective effects. Its mechanism may be related to regulating the IKK/NF-κB signaling pathway and alleviating intestinal inflammation.
Ingredients
The main active components of Atractylodes Rhizome (Cāng Zhú) include atractylone, atractylodin, hinesol, β-eudesmol, and others.
Usage & Dosage
Decoct and take as a decoction. The standard dosage is 3–9g.
Contraindications
Contraindicated groups: Contraindicated in patients with yin deficiency and internal heat, or qi deficiency with excessive sweating, as it may consume yin fluids and aggravate symptoms. Use with caution: Pregnant women, those planning pregnancy, and nursing mothers should use it under the guidance of a physician. Dietary restrictions: During the course of treatment, avoid consuming peaches, plums, sparrow meat, Chinese cabbage, and herring. Usage principle: Should be used under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner following syndrome differentiation and treatment principles. Do not self-medicate.
Selected Formulas
1.Ping Wei San (Stomach-Calming Powder, from Jian Yao Ji Zhong Fang) Ingredients: Bran-stir-fried Atractylodes Rhizome (Fū Chǎo Cāng Zhú), Magnolia Bark (Hòu Pò), Tangerine Peel (Chén Pí), and Licorice (Gān Cǎo). Efficacy: Dries dampness, promotes spleen function, moves qi, and harmonizes the stomach. Indications: Dampness stagnating in the spleen and stomach pattern, presenting with abdominal distension and fullness, poor appetite, nausea and vomiting, heaviness of the limbs, and a white, greasy, thick tongue coating. 2.Er Miao San (Two-Miraculous Powder, from Dan Xi Xin Fa) Ingredients: Bran-stir-fried Atractylodes Rhizome (Fū Chǎo Cāng Zhú) and stir-fried Phellodendron Bark (Chǎo Huáng Bǎi). Efficacy: Clears heat and dries dampness. Indications: Damp-heat descending pattern, presenting with bone and tendon pain, red and swollen pain in the feet and knees, damp-heat leukorrhea, and damp sores or eczema in the lower body. 3.Kuan Zhong Yang Wei Tang (Stomach-Nourishing and Middle-Relaxing Decoction, from Wan Bing Hui Chun) Ingredients: Stir-fried Atractylodes Rhizome (Chǎo Cāng Zhú), Cyperus Rhizome (Xiāng Fù), bran-stir-fried Fructus Aurantii (Fū Chǎo Zhǐ Qiào), ginger-stir-fried Magnolia Bark (Jiāng Chǎo Hòu Pò), Tangerine Peel (Chén Pí), Amomum Fruit (Shā Rén), stir-fried Medicated Leaven (Chǎo Shén Qū), stir-fried Barley Sprout (Chǎo Mài Yá), among others. Efficacy: Moves qi, resolves dampness, relaxes the chest, and harmonizes the stomach. Indications: Chest and diaphragm fullness and distension, with poor appetite. 4.Cang Zhu Wan (Atractylodes Pill, from Yi Bian, Volume 1) Ingredients: Contains stir-fried Atractylodes Rhizome (Chǎo Cāng Zhú) and various other herbs. Efficacy: Tonifies qi and blood, dispels wind-dampness, and improves vision. Indications: Qi and blood deficiency, wind-dampness paralysis, blurred vision, lumbago, and dizziness.
Daily Consumption
Decoction for oral use: This is the most common method. Place the bran-stir-fried Atractylodes Rhizome (Fū Chǎo Cāng Zhú) together with other herbs in a clay pot, add water, and decoct for about 30 minutes. Strain and drink the liquid. The standard dosage is 3–9g, with the specific dosage to be followed as directed by a physician. Tea infusion: Take an appropriate amount of the herb, slice it thinly, and steep in boiling water as a tea. Congee for dietary therapy: Cook together with rice to make a congee. Suitable for those with spleen deficiency with dampness excess and poor appetite. Medicinal soup: Stew together with other ingredients in a soup. In pills or powder: May also be ground into powder and prepared in pills or powder for oral administration.
Medicinal Parts
Rhizome.
Selection & Storage
Store in a dry container in a well-ventilated, dry place; protect from mold and insects.
