Tell me about...
What is
white atractylodes? What is it used for?
White atractylodes is one of the most commonly used herbs
in traditional Chinese medicine. An aromatic herb, the plant
is indigenous to China and has a thin, wooden stem and large,
serrated leaves. The rhizome is used medicinally.
White atractylodes' active ingredient is a volatile oil consisting
of various substances, including atractylon, sesquiterpene
lactones, acetylenes and polysaccharides.
White atractylodes has been used to treat physical and mental
fatigue, diarrhea, edema, dizziness and vomiting. It has a
long lasting diuretic effect, and also has the ability to
lower blood sugar levels. In traditional Chinese medicine,
white atractylodes is used as a qi tonic, and to support
the functions of the kidney, bladder and digestive system.
How much atractylodes should I take?
Many practitioners recommend taking 10-30 drops of an atractylodes
extract 2-3 times per day or as needed.
What forms of atractylodes are available?
White atractylodes is available as a tea, powder, extract
or decoction.
What can happen if I take too much
white atractylodes? Are there any interactions I should be
aware of? What precautions should I take?
White atractylodes has been given a class I safety rating
by the American Herbal Products Association, meaning that
it can be consumed safely when taken in appropriate doses.
However, because of its diuretic properties, it should not
be taken by patients who are dehydrated.
As of this writing, there are no known drug interactions
with white atractylodes. As always, make sure to consult with
a qualified health care provider before taking atractylodes
or any herbal product or dietary supplement.
Other Resources :
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More You Know About Minerals
The
More You Know About Nutrition
References
- Li L. Practical Traditional Chinese
Dermatology. Hong Kong: Hai Feng Publishing Company,
1995.
- Sionneau P, Dui Y. The Art of Combining
Chinese Medicinals. Boulder, CO: Blue Poppy Press, 1997.
- Tang W, Eisenbrand G. Chinese Drugs
of Plant Origin. Berlin: Springer-Verlag, 1992.
- Zhu Y. Chinese Materia Medica: Chemistry,
Pharmacology, and Applications. Amsterdam: Harwood Academic
Publishers, 1998.
- Yan W, Fischer W. Practical Therapeutics
of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Brookline, MA: Paradigm
Publications, 1997.
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