Traditional Chinese Raw Herbs Single Item: Baizhu | Bai Zhu | bái zhú | Atractylodes macrocephala (Brand Tongrentang)

白术 (bái zhú), also known as Atractylodes macrocephala, is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. Here are some key points about it:

- **Origin**: 白术 is derived from the root of the Atractylodes macrocephala plant, which belongs to the Asteraceae family¹.
- **Nutritional Value**: It contains various bioactive compounds such as sesquiterpenoids, polysaccharides, and essential oils, which contribute to its medicinal properties².
- **Health Benefits**: 白术 is known for its ability to **strengthen the spleen**, **boost energy (qi)**, **dry dampness**, and **promote urination**. It is often used to treat conditions like poor appetite, diarrhea, edema, and spontaneous sweating¹³.
- **Functions in Traditional Chinese Medicine**: It is commonly used to **tonify the spleen and stomach**, **dry dampness**, **promote water metabolism**, and **calm the fetus** during pregnancy²³.