In TCM, the spleen governs our digestive system and supports the transportation of fluids in the body. Bái zhú (White Atractylodes Rhizome; 白术) is widely used in TCM to strengthen the spleen, replenish Qi, drain dampness (excess moisture) by promoting urination, stop sweat, and prevent miscarriage.

Benefits:
● Relieves indigestion, gastro and abdominal distension, and diarrhea
● Improves appetite
● Relieves fluid retention and edema
● Reduces excessive sweating

Contraindications:
Not recommended for individuals who have excess heat symptoms (e.g. dry throat, dry eyes, hot palms and soles, dry stools, or constipation) or experience thirst caused by Yin-deficiency

Ingredients:
Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome; 白术）

Origin:
Zhejiang, China

Dosage:
6g to 12g

Storage:
Best kept refrigerated

How to boost spleen Qi and eliminate dampness from the body:
Rinse herbs before use. Boil 10g Běi qí (Astragalus; 北芪), 6g Bái zhú (White Atractylodes Rhizome; 白术), 10g Fú líng (Poria; 茯苓), and 3g Gān cǎo (Liquorice; 甘草) in 500ml of water. Boil for 30 minutes. Remove the herbs and collect the liquid to boil one serving of uncooked rice. Let it simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Our spleen governs our digestive system, helps to transform food into new Qi (energy) and blood, as well as regulates the transport of fluids in the body. Poor diet and lifestyle such as prolonged stress, overworking, and high or frequent intake of raw, cold, greasy, and spicy foods can weaken our spleen. This in turn impedes fluid distribution and removal of waste from the body, leading to the accumulation of dampness (excess moisture) in the body.

In TCM, dampness is commonly associated with edema (water retention); phlegm in the lungs; loose stools or diarrhea; stomach distension; achy joints and limbs; gout; excess weight gain; fatty deposits build-up in the arteries; eczema flare-up; susceptibility to acne; oily skin; cysts; excessive vaginal discharge; a vaginal yeast infection; sinus infections, etc.

Dampness can also combine with heat and lead to damp-heat syndrome. This can be contributed by an unhealthy diet—such as consuming excessive alcohol, deep-fried, spicy, or greasy foods—or prolonged exposure to the summer heat. Signs of damp-heat include loose stools with blood or mucus; cloudy deep yellow urine; burning sensation during urination; red tongue with thick yellow coating; nausea; heaviness of the body and limbs.

Note:
The information above serves as a general guide only. Please consult a licensed TCM practitioner for a more accurate diagnosis and treatment.