【Functions and Indications】Harmonizes the middle burner, alleviates urgency, moistens the lungs, detoxifies, and moderates the effects of other herbs. When processed by roasting, it treats spleen-stomach deficiency, poor appetite, abdominal pain with loose stools, fatigue-induced fever, lung atrophy with cough, palpitations, and convulsions.Raw preparation treats sore throat, peptic ulcers, boils, abscesses, and skin sores; neutralizes drug and food poisoning.
① Classic of Herbal Medicine: "Treats cold and heat pathogens in the five viscera and six腑, strengthens tendons and bones, builds muscle, doubles strength, heals swollen wounds from metal injuries, and detoxifies."
② Supplement to the Classic of Herbal Medicine: "Warm the middle burner and descend qi, relieves fullness and shortness of breath, treats cough due to organ injury, quenches thirst, unblocks meridians, promotes blood circulation, and neutralizes all drug toxins."③ Materia Medica: "Treats abdominal cold pain, epilepsy, and abdominal distension; nourishes the five viscera; neutralizes medicinal toxins; tonifies kidney qi for internal injuries, preventing impotence; addresses uterine bleeding and low back pain in women; suitable for deficiency with excessive heat; use in increased dosage."It replenishes the five labors and seven injuries, treats all deficiencies, palpitations, restlessness, and forgetfulness. It opens the nine orifices, benefits the hundred meridians, nourishes essence and qi, strengthens tendons and bones, and alleviates both cold and heat."
⑤ Pearl Sack: "It replenishes blood and nourishes the stomach."
⑥ Essentials of Decoction and Materia Medica:Treats pus and blood in pulmonary atrophy as an emetic; eliminates sores and boils in the five eruptions, matching the efficacy of Astragalus."
⑦ Compendium of Materia Medica: "Relieves fetal toxins and chronic convulsions in children; reduces fire and alleviates pain."
⑧ Illustrated Compendium of Chinese Medicinal Plants: "Treats peptic ulcers and jaundice."
【Usage and Dosage】Internal use: Decocted as soup, 0.5–3 qian; or incorporated into pills or powders. External use: Powdered for application or decocted for washing.【Contraindications】
Contraindicated in cases of fullness and abdominal distension due to excess syndrome.
① Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu: "Atractylodes is assisted by dry lacquer and Sophora flavescens. It is incompatible with Polygala tenuifolia. It is counterindicated with Euphorbia, Datura, Euphorbia humifusa, and Sargassum."
② Medical Primer: "Not to be used in the initial stages of dysentery."