Atractylodes macrocephala has the functions of strengthening the spleen and benefiting qi, drying dampness and inducing diuresis (drying dampness and reducing water-dampness in the body), and is used in the treatment of conditions such as deficiency of the spleen with low food intake, abdominal distension and diarrhea, phlegm (a pathological product of impaired metabolism of water), vertigo and palpitations (vertigo and palpitations due to the upward invasion of the phlegm and drink evil qi), restlessness of the fetus, edema, and self-sweating (involuntary sweating during the daytime that is aggravated with the slightest movement). Atractylodes macrocephala can be used in combination with other herbs to treat related conditions. If the spleen and stomach are deficient in qi and dysfunctional in transportation, it can be combined with ginseng, poria and licorice to form the Four Gentlemen Soup. For those who suffer from a deficiency of the spleen and water-dampness and do not transport water, the formula can be combined with Poria, Poria, Zedoaria, and Gui Zhi to form Wu Ling San, which has the effect of promoting Yang, warming the spleen, and inducing diuresis and eliminating oedema (clearing the urine and eliminating oedema). For spleen and kidney yang deficiency (deficiency of yang qi in the spleen and kidneys), the formula Zhenwu Tang is formed with Radix Phellodendron Bidentatae, Poria, and Ginger to warm the kidneys and assist yang (warming and tonifying yang qi in the kidneys), and promote diuresis to eliminate edema. Spleen deficiency with internal retention of water-dampness (water-dampness stays in the body) leading to phlegm-drinking, can be combined with white lentils, poria, licorice, lotus seeds, orange stem and so on to form a formula of Ginseng-ling-White-Artemisia-San, which strengthens the spleen and dispels dampness. Spleen qi deficiency, Wei surface is not solid, resulting in spontaneous sweating, can be combined with Fang Feng, Astragalus to form a formula of Jade Ping Feng San, which has the effect of benefiting qi and solidifying the surface, stopping sweating and preventing wind. In addition, if a pregnant woman’s spleen is weak and her qi is weak, she may use Atractylodes macrocephala to nourish the fetus and stabilize it. If you need to use Atractylodes macrocephala, it is recommended that you use it under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. It is contraindicated for those who are allergic to Atractylodes macrocephala and other herbal ingredients, and should be used with caution for those who have a deficiency of yin and are hot, or whose body is dry and hot, or whose body has been damaged by heat. The following is a list of the most common uses of Atractylodes macrocephala.