Today, I’m going to talk to you about how to use these two Chinese herbs: Atractylodes Macrocephala (Baizhu) and Atractylodes Lancea (Cangzhu).

Both Baizhu and Cangzhu are commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat Spleen deficiency, but their functions are quite different. Baizhu is primarily used to replenish Spleen essence, whereas Cangzhu focuses on drying Spleen dampness.

Let's first talk about Atractylodes lancea (Cangzhu). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the spleen governs transportation and transformation. If there is excessive dampness in the spleen and stomach, these functions will be impaired. This is where Cangzhu comes into play. It can stimulate the Spleen Yang and revitalize the spleen's functions. Furthermore, since "Liver Wood overacts on Spleen Earth," Cangzhu also helps the Liver Wood Qi to rise and expand, clearing stagnation in the middle burner (the spleen and stomach area). Take the formula Pingwei San, for example—why does it use Cangzhu instead of Baizhu? It is precisely because of Cangzhu's unique efficacy in drying dampness to strengthen the spleen.

Now, let's discuss Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu). Baizhu focuses more on nourishing the Spleen Essence. Some people have congenital spleen deficiency, a weak constitution, and are very thin; they have no appetite and don't gain weight no matter what they eat. In such cases, Baizhu is an excellent remedy. It can nourish the spleen and make the functions of the spleen and stomach more robust. This is the reason why Lizhong Tang uses Baizhu instead of Cangzhu.

Cangzhu also has a special property: it acts on the Lungs. In TCM, the Lungs govern the skin and hair; therefore, skin problems are often related to the Lungs. Cangzhu can stimulate Lung function and help the skin expel dampness. Consequently, Cangzhu can be very effective when dealing with certain skin diseases. On the other hand, Baizhu is skilled at acting on the Large Intestine; if there is a need to promote bowel movements, Baizhu is a great choice.

There is also an art to combining these herbs. Pairing Cangzhu with Cimicifuga (Shengma) can lift the Qi of the spleen and stomach, making one feel energized. Pairing Baizhu with Pueraria (Gegen) can raise the Spleen Qi, allowing the spleen to better transport and transform food.

As you can see, although both Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) and Atractylodes lancea (Cangzhu) can treat spleen deficiency, there are differences in their usage and efficacy. If you encounter related issues in the future, do not use them indiscriminately; you must choose the appropriate medicine based on the specific situation.