Atractylodes Slices (Atractylodes macrocephala; Bai Zhu) 1.17 lb/500 Gm: C
This is Starwest's nitrogen-flushed double-wall silverfoil pack. Bai Zhu is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly as a thick decoction, often in combination with other herbs. The root is a bitter-sweet tonic herb that acts mainly upon the digestive system and strengthens the spleen. The root is antibacterial, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, sedative, stomachic and tonic. It is used in the treatment of poor appetite, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, chronic diarrhoea, oedema and spontaneous sweating. It is often used in conjunction with other herbs such as Codonopsis tangshen and Glycyrrhiza uralensis. Combined with Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) it is used to prevent miscarriage. The roots are harvested in the autumn and baked for use in tonics. Tonic, bittersweet, diuretic, sedative, mild purgative, lowers blood sugar levels, controls bacterial infections, carminative; acts mainly on digestive system; extracts are anti-viral. Used to treat loss of appetite, indigestion, chronic bronchitis, anemia during pregnancy and nightblindness. Has an important anti-cancer reputation in China for cervical, mammary, stomach and uterine tumors; has shown definite antitumor activity in rodents. Said to calm a restless fetus. Used internally for weak and disturbed digestion; often combined with Wolfiporia cocos (a subterranean fungus), Codonopsis tangshen and Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Chinese licorice) in tonic formulas; also combined with Scutellaria baicalensis (a variety of skullcap) as a blood tonic in pregnancy. Used as an energy tonic for spleen and stomach; helps to regulate ''chi'' or ''qi'' and strengthen lower limbs. Combined with BAN XIA and CHEN PI for stomach weakness; also combined with cinnamon and FU LING (Wolfiporia cocos) for lung problems. Decoction is used for abdominal and chest tightness, anemia, chills, diarrhea, dyspepsia, edema, gastroenteritis, nausea, rheumatism, and splenitis. The rhizome is decocted with other aromatics for anemia, coughs, bronchitis, diarrhea, dysuria, eczema, edema, gasping, gastroenteritis, jaundice, nausea, nightsweats, and vertigo. Powdered and taken with Citrus for anorexia and dyspepsia. Used as a sedative during pregnancy. The rhizome extract is strongly phototoxic to Saccharomyces cerevisiae (beer, wine and bread yeast; also called brewer's, baker's or wine yeast).