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Uses

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Atractylodes macrocephala.

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Atractylodes macrocephala.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Bai Zhu is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine[1]. The root is a bitter-sweet tonic herb that acts mainly upon the digestive system and strengthens the spleen[1][2]. The root is antibacterial, diuretic, hypoglycaemic, sedative, stomachic and tonic[3][1]. It is used in the treatment of poor appetite, dyspepsia, abdominal distension, chronic diarrhoea, oedema and spontaneous sweating[3]. It is often used in conjunction with other herbs such as Codonopsis tangshen and Glycyrrhiza uralensis[1]. Combined with Baical skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis) it is used to prevent miscarriage[2]. The roots are harvested in the autumn and baked for use in tonics[1].

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings when they are large enough to handle and plant them out into their permanent positions in the following spring or early summer.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Atractylodes macrocephala. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Succeeds in any well-drained soil in sun or partial shade[1].

This species is probably hardy in most of Britain, it tolerates temperatures down to at least -15°c[1]. Widely cultivated in China for its use as a medicinal herb[1][4].

This species is dioecious. Both male and female plants need to be grown if seed is required[4].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Atractylodes macrocephala. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Atractylodes macrocephala.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Atractylodes macrocephala
Genus
Atractylodes
Family
Compositae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
6
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.81.9 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 [Flora of China] (1994-00-00)