Cangzhu has the effect of strengthening the spleen and qi, drying dampness and diuresis, etc., and fried Cangzhu has the effect of strengthening the spleen, and stomach, and stabilizing the fetus, so the elimination of dampness is generally used with Cangzhu, but the specific use of medication should be in accordance with the doctor’s instructions.
The efficacy of Atractylodes macrocephala includes strengthening the spleen, drying dampness and inducing diuresis, stopping sweating, stabilizing the fetus, which can be used for the treatment of spleen deficiency, low food, abdominal distension and diarrhea, phlegm and drink palpitations (due to phlegm and drink evil qi upstream caused by dizziness and palpitations), oedema, self-sweating (involuntary daytime sweating, sweating aggravates with a little movement), and the treatment of fetal restlessness.
Fried Cangzhu is a concoction of Atractylodes macrocephala, which is effective in strengthening the spleen, harmonizing the stomach, and calming the fetus, and can be used in the treatment of spleen deficiency with little food, diarrhea with loose stools, and restlessness of the fetus.
Due to the raw Cangzhu has the function of drying dampness and inducing diuresis, which is conducive to dispelling dampness, while the fried Cangzhu mainly dispels dampness by strengthening the spleen, and its efficacy in dispelling dampness is weaker, so it is generally used to dispel dampness with raw Cangzhu. However, the selection of Chinese herbs should be carried out under the guidance of the doctor’s diagnosis. In addition, raw Cangzhu and fried Cangzhu should not be used for people with Yin deficiency, internal heat and fluid loss.
Generally, it is not used as a single herb to treat diseases. Raw Atractylodes macrocephala is often combined with ginseng and poria to treat people with spleen deficiency with dampness, loose food or diarrhea. In addition, it is recommended to use Chinese herbs under the guidance of a doctor’s diagnosis in order to better utilize the efficacy of Chinese herbs.