Eliminating dampness, strengthening the spleen, dispelling wind and cold, relieving exterior syndrome.

Both baizhu and cangzhu strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness. The former is sweet, bitter, and mild, and acts mainly to nourish the spleen and check perspiration; the latter is acrid, bitter, dry, and strong and acts mainly to dry dampness and induce perspiration. Therefore, baizhu is often used for spleen deficiency or deficiency of the defensive qi with spontaneous sweating, while cangzhu is usually applied for excess syndromes with dampness retained in the middle burner or exterior syndromes complicated by dampness.

Raw, baizhu is the strongest of the products [preparations of baizhu] to tonify the spleen qi and it treats reduced appetite, indigestion, tiredness, and a wan complexion. When baizhu is dry-fried, its action in drying dampness is increased. It is especially effective for treating distention in the abdomen, loose stools, and diarrhea. When the color of the herb turns to deep brown after dry frying [for a longer period], it is then called roasted baizhu. This enters the stomach meridian particularly and has the strongest effect [of the baizhu preparations] in strengthening the receiving, ripening, and transporting functions of the stomach. It is very useful for treating a poor appetite, nausea, fullness in the stomach, and belching.

Classical Note:

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: "The flavor is bitter and mild. It disperses aches in the joints arising from damp and cold, revives dead muscles, relieves convulsive diseases, expels deep-rooted carbuncles; counters sweating; disperses fevers and relieves dyspepsia."

Interpretation of the Properties of Medicines: "The flavour of Swordlike Atractylodes root is sweet and pungent, and its property is warm and not poisonous. It acts particularly on the spleen and stomach channels, easing the stomach and strengthening the function of the spleen; soothes chest disorders and disperses stagnant energy by inducing perspiration; counters miasma-borne ailments and malaria."