Atractylodes is the dried rhizome of the Asteraceae plant Atractylodes. It is mainly produced in Zhejiang, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Fujian, Anhui, and other provinces in China. The original plant grows wild in mountainous and hilly areas but is now mostly cultivated. It prefers a cool climate, is cold-resistant, dislikes damp heat and drought, and thrives in sloping terrain with high, dry soil that is deep, loose, fertile, and well-drained sandy loam. It has a bitter-sweet taste and warm nature. It belongs to the Spleen and Stomach meridians.

Effects: Tonifies the spleen and qi, dries dampness and promotes diuresis, stops sweating, and stabilizes the fetus.