The Chinese medicine Atractylodes macrocephala has the efficacy and effect of benefiting qi and strengthening the spleen, drying dampness and inducing diuresis, stopping sweating and tranquilizing the fetus.
1. Benefiting qi and strengthening the spleen: it can be used to treat deficiency of spleen qi, which is characterized by low food intake, loose stools (thin and unformed feces), and fatigue (mental exhaustion and physical weakness).
2. Drying dampness and inducing diuresis: Atractylodes macrocephala can be used to treat oedema and dyspareunia caused by spleen deficiency and dampness.
3. Stopping sweating: Atractylodes macrocephala can be used to treat spontaneous sweating (involuntary sweating during the day, aggravated by sweating with slight movement) caused by deficiency of qi, and is often used in combination with Astragalus and Fenghuang.
4. To calm the fetus: Atractylodes macrocephala can be used to treat fetal restlessness caused by spleen deficiency.
The adverse effects of Atractylodes macrocephala have not been clarified, and it is forbidden for allergy sufferers. Atractylodes macrocephala is warm and dry in nature, therefore, it is not suitable for those who have fever and hurt their fluids, those who have yin deficiency and dryness and thirst, and those who have stagnation of qi and flatulence.