Common Name: |
Bai zhu |
Other Names: |
Atractylodes, Chinese Thistle Daisy |
Botanical Name: |
Atractylodes macrocephala |
Genus: |
Atractylodes |
Family: |
Asteraceae |
Native Location: |
China, Japan, and Korea |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. |
Propagation: |
By seed sown in spring. |
Harvest: |
Rhizomes are lifted in autumn and baked use in tonics. |
Height: |
30-60cm (12-24in) |
Width: |
45cm (18in) |
Hardiness: |
Z6-8 |
Parts Used: |
Rhizomes (bai zhu) |
Properties: |
A bitter-sweet, tonic herb that acts mainly on the digestive system. It acts as a diuretic, lowers blood sugar levels, controls bacterial infections, and protects the liver. |
Tarot: |
IV The Emperor |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for weak and disturbed digestion, often combined with Codonopsis tangshen (see dang shen), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (See Chinese licorice), and Wolfiporia cocos (See Indian Bread) in patent tonics, and with Scutellaria baicalensis (see Baikal Skullcap) to prevent miscarriage, and as a blood tonic in pregnancy. |
Culinary Uses: |
Rhizomes are eaten in tonic soups, rice dishes, and cakes, and are an ingredient of tonic teas. |
Bibliography: |
Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright © 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited Pp 137 The Herbal Tarot by Michael Tierra, Herbalist and Candis Cantin, Artist Copyright©1988 U.S. Games Systems Inc. Card IV |