Byakujutsu

Byakujutsu

Chinese: bai zhu

English: white atractylodes rhizome

Pharmaceutical Name: Atractylodis macrocephalae Rhizoma

Properties: Bitter, sweet, warm

Standard Species: Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz, Atractylodes japonica Koidzumi ex Kitamura (Japanese Pharmacopoeia)

Note:  Byakujutsu (bai zhu) and Sojutsu (cang zhu) are not differentiated in Classical Chinese medicine (authoritative Classics such as Shanghanlun, Jinguiyaolue, and Shennnonbencaojing, simply describe the two herbs as zhu).  While the herbs are often interchangeably used in Japanese Kampo, the usage of each herb is clearly differentiated in the current practice of traditional Chinese medicine.

Formulas Containing Byakujutsu:

Juzentaihoto 十全大補湯 Shi Quan Da Bu Tang All-Inclusive Great Tonifying Decoction

rikkunshito 六君子湯 Liu Jun Zi Tang Six-Gentleman Decoction

kamishoyosan 加味逍遙散 Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Augmented Rambling Powder

kamikihito 加味帰脾湯 Jia Wei Gui Pi Tang Augmented Restore the Spleen Decoction

hangebyakujyutsutenmato 半夏白朮天麻湯 Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang Pinellia Attractylodes Marcrocephala, and Gastrodia Decoction

shinbuto 真武湯 Zhen Wu Tang True Warrrior Decoction

hochuekkito 補中益気湯 Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction

tokishakuyakusan 当帰芍薬散 Dang Gui Shao Yao SanTangkuei and Peony Powder

ryokeijutsukanto 苓桂朮甘湯 Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes Macrocephala, and Licorice Decoction

goreisan 五苓散 Wu Ling San Five Ingredient Powder with Poria

keishishakuyakuchimoto 桂枝芍薬知母湯 Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang Cinnamon Twig, Peony, and Anemarrhena Decoction

bofutsushosan 防風通聖散 Fang Feng Tong Sheng San Ledebouriella Powder that Sagely Unblocks

and more…

Atractylodes japonica Koidz. – – Naito Medicinal Herbal Garden, Gifu, Japan (Photo by TH. Tanaka)