The paired study images show two forms for comparison. Use scientific nomenclature and source records for reference; do not identify real specimens from the image alone.
Largehead atractylodes · Bai Zhu
Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz. · Rhizome
Name and part used
An Asteraceae herb with lobed leaves and pink-purple flower heads; the materia medica is its thick rhizome.
Traditional context
Bai Zhu is the rhizome of Atractylodes macrocephala in HKBU records; do not confuse it with Cang Zhu, a distinct materia medica.
Modern evidence
HKBU provides identity and material-form references; clinical evidence varies by formula and product, so traditional functions are not established treatment outcomes.
Safety
Herb-specific safety data are limited; review concurrent medicines, pregnancy, and multi-ingredient products with a clinician or pharmacist.
Pairing in reference texts
Listed in classical formulas such as Xiao Yao San and Gui Pi Tang. This is a textual reference, not a self-mixing recommendation.
Growing, care, and harvest timing
HKBU habitat record: Growing on hills. Widely cultivated. The medicinal materials are mainly produced in Zhejiang, Anhui, Hunan and etc Harvest and processing as recorded: In thee last ten days of October to the middle ten days of November, after the aboveground withered, excavated roots on sunny days, removed soil, cut stalks and dried the root and stem by 100℃, reduce the temperature to 60-70℃ when the bark heating, turn up side down each 4 to 5 hours, half-dried, removed fibrous root, then to 80 percent dried, stop heating, heaped up for 5-6 days, softened the bark, then completely dried. Or totally sun-dried for 15-20 days
Source-recorded harvest/processing: In thee last ten days of October to the middle ten days of November, after the aboveground withered, excavated roots on sunny days, removed soil, cut stalks and dried the root and stem by 100℃, reduce the temperature to 60-70℃ when the bark heating, turn up side down each 4 to 5 hours, half-dried, removed fibrous root, then to 80 percent dried, stop heating, heaped up for 5-6 days, softened the bark, then completely dried. Or totally sun-dried for 15-20 days
The reviewed source does not provide a complete species-specific sowing/growing routine, irrigation/fertilization schedule, or universal plant age. The page therefore does not infer care instructions or years to harvest; consult local cultivation guidance.
Open habitat and season source ↗FROM PLANT / SOURCE HABITAT TO DRIED MATERIAL · REFERENCE HANDLING
- Harvest the rhizome after above-ground growth has withered, following the growing region’s schedule; HKBU describes late-autumn harvest.
- Lift gently, shake off soil, trim stems and fine roots, and discard rotten or insect-damaged material.
- Wash under an appropriate procedure, slice when required, and dry in a controlled manner; specialist references also describe extended sun drying.
- Label Atractylodes macrocephala explicitly to prevent confusion with Cang Zhu; keep dry, ventilated, and lot-traceable.
These steps describe post-harvest handling for study; they are not directions for self-medication. Processing reference ↗
How to read formula amounts
The cited sources do not provide a formula with specific amounts for this profile; no ratio is invented. Absence from the incompatibility list does not establish safety.
Habitat, season, and harvest in the HKBU botanical record
HKBU botanical record (translated summary): Flowering and fruiting dates: Flowering: September to October; fruiting: October to December Habitat and distribution: Growing on hills. Widely cultivated. The medicinal materials are mainly produced in Zhejiang, Anhui, Hunan and etc Harvest and processing as recorded: In thee last ten days of October to the middle ten days of November, after the aboveground withered, excavated roots on sunny days, removed soil, cut stalks and dried the root and stem by 100℃, reduce the temperature to 60-70℃ when the bark heating, turn up side down each 4 to 5 hours, half-dried, removed fibrous root, then to 80 percent dried, stop heating, heaped up for 5-6 days, softened the bark, then completely dried. Or totally sun-dried for 15-20 days
Open botanical source ↗