Atractylodes macrocephala and Atractylodes cangzhi have differences in nature, attribution, efficacy and main treatment, for example, the former is mainly used for spleen qi deficiency (weakness of the spleen qi), while the latter is mainly used for dampness obstruction in the middle jiao (dampness impeding the function of the spleen and stomach).
Atractylodes belongs to the category of qi tonics, favoring tonifying the spleen and benefiting qi. It is warm in nature, sweet and bitter in flavor, and belongs to the spleen and stomach meridians. It has the effects of strengthening the spleen and benefiting qi, drying dampness and inducing diuresis, stopping sweating and tranquilizing the fetus. It is used in treating spleen deficiency with little food, abdominal distension and diarrhea, phlegm and vertigo palpitations (vertigo and palpitations caused by phlegm and evil qi), edema, spontaneous sweating (involuntary sweating during the day), and restlessness of the fetus, etc. It is also used in treating the symptoms of dysfunction and dysentery.
Cangzhu belongs to the category of dampness resolving herbs, favoring transporting the spleen and resolving dampness. It is warm in nature, pungent and bitter in flavor, and belongs to the spleen, stomach and liver meridians. It has the properties of drying dampness, strengthening the spleen, dispelling wind and dispersing cold, and brightening the eyes. It is used for treating dampness obstructing the middle Jiao, epigastric distension (swelling and fullness of the stomach and abdomen), diarrhea, edema, crippled feet, wind-dampness paralysis, wind-cold flu, night blindness, and dimness of the eyes.
The above two drugs should be taken under the guidance of a doctor, and should not be used by oneself to avoid causing damage to the organism.