Pregnant women should exercise particular caution with Chinese herbal medicine. Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu) is a common herb used to treat various conditions. This raises questions: Is it safe for pregnant women? What are its benefits? How can expectant mothers use it for self-care? Let's explore.
Benefits of Atractylodes macrocephala
It fortifies the spleen, nourishes the stomach, dries dampness, harmonizes the middle burner, and stabilizes pregnancy.It addresses spleen-stomach qi deficiency, loss of appetite, fatigue with low energy, bloating, diarrhea, phlegm retention, edema, jaundice, damp arthralgia, urinary difficulty, dizziness, spontaneous sweating, and fetal instability.A strong spleen and stomach in the mother ensures adequate fetal nutrition and natural fetal stability. Conversely, a weak spleen and stomach in the mother can easily harm the fetus. Strengthening the spleen and stabilizing the fetus is more important than harmonizing the stomach.
White Atractylodes also benefits qi and stabilizes the fetus. For treating fetal malnutrition due to spleen deficiency, it can tonify qi and strengthen the spleen, promoting the transport of fluids and grains to nourish the fetus. It is best combined with qi and blood-tonifying herbs like Ginseng and Donkey-hide Gelatin.
What are the benefits of Atractylodes macrocephala, and how can pregnant women use it for self-care?
For treating pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting caused by spleen deficiency and dampness obstruction, accompanied by loss of appetite and heavy limbs, Atractylodes macrocephala can tonify qi, strengthen the spleen, and dry dampness. It is best combined with qi-tonifying, spleen-strengthening, and dampness-eliminating herbs like ginseng, Poria cocos, and dried tangerine peel.For treating spleen deficiency-induced pregnancy edema, Atractylodes not only fortifies qi and strengthens the spleen but also promotes diuresis and reduces swelling. It is often combined with herbs that strengthen the spleen and promote water metabolism.From this, we understand that beyond its spleen-tonifying and qi-nourishing effects, it also possesses fetus-stabilizing properties. It generally poses little risk to the baby, and herbal medicine impacts are typically minimal. However, if possible, it's best to avoid taking it.
Therefore, pregnant women must maintain a scientifically balanced diet during pregnancy, avoiding overeating. Eat smaller, more frequent meals with well-balanced nutrition. Ensure a variety of nutrients are consumed rather than relying on a single source. Food diversity is key:Vegetables, fruits, nuts, soy products, dairy, chicken, fish, and meat should be consumed in appropriate amounts to supplement vitamins, minerals, trace elements, and amino acids. This ensures the baby's bones, intelligence, and overall development are fully supported in the womb.
What are the benefits of Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai Zhu)? How can pregnant women use it for self-care?
Bai Zhu tonifies qi and strengthens the spleen, promoting digestion to nourish the fetus. It is best paired with qi- and blood-tonifying herbs like ginseng and donkey-hide gelatin.Pregnant women are a special group, and dietary nutrition intake is crucial. Below, we introduce several medications suitable for use during pregnancy for your reference:
Bai Luo Skincare Oil: A functional professional skincare oil suitable for all skin types and individuals. It can be used on both the face and body, particularly effective for caring for skin concerns such as acne marks and scars, uneven skin tone, dryness, and aging.
Xiliao Fu Repairing Gel: Treats various surgical scars, traumatic scars, depressed scars, hypertrophic scars, post-tattoo scars, pregnancy-induced stretch marks, thickened scars from weight loss, and burn/scald scars.
Xinyi Folic Acid Tablets: Yellow or orange-yellow tablets. Primarily used for: 1. Preventing fetal neural tube defects. 2. Preventive medication for pregnant and lactating women.
This concludes our introduction to the benefits of Atractylodes macrocephala and how pregnant women can use it for self-care. We hope this information proves helpful. Wishing you good health and smooth sailing this winter.