Black Atractylodes Rhizome

창출 (蒼朮) · Atractylodes lancea (Thunb.) DC.

Dampness-drying herb Warm Bitter, pungent Spleen, Stomach

NatureWarm

TasteBitter, pungent

MeridiansSpleen, Stomach

Part usedRhizome

FamilyAsteraceae

CategoryDampness-drying herb

Find by concern: Diarrhea Edema

Overview

Black atractylodes is white atractylodes's rugged sibling — the Donguibogam itself notes that early materia medica did not distinguish white from black, and that later practice split them by strength: black atractylodes is the more vigorous, drying herb for heavy, damp-laden conditions across the whole body.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性溫, 味苦辛, 無毒. 治上中下濕疾. 寬中發汗, 破窠囊痰飮, 痃癖氣塊, 山嵐瘴氣. 治風寒濕痺, 療霍亂吐瀉不止, 除水腫脹滿.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon — recorded as a sub-entry (DH) appended to the White Atractylodes (Baekchul) entry

TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste bitter and pungent, and it is non-toxic. It treats damp illness of the upper, middle, and lower body. It relaxes the middle and induces sweating, breaks up encysted phlegm-fluid and abdominal masses, and treats mountain-mist miasma. It treats wind-cold-damp painful obstruction, cures unremitting cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea, and removes edema and distension.

Traditional functions

Dries dampness powerfully
Induces sweating, releases the exterior
Stops diarrhea and vomiting from dampness
Reduces edema and distension

Traditional applications

Diarrhea with dampness
Edema and bloating
Joint pain from wind-damp
Heaviness and lethargy in damp climates

Traditional preparation

Decoction 4–10g; a core ingredient of Pyeongwi-san (Stomach-Calming Powder) alongside tangerine peel and licorice.

Cautions

Caution: Stronger and drier than white atractylodes; traditionally avoided in yin-deficiency with dryness or spontaneous sweating, since its potent drying action can worsen these patterns. Consult a professional.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between white and black atractylodes?

The Donguibogam notes early texts did not distinguish them; later practice separated white (milder, more tonifying) from black (stronger, more drying) — both trace to the same genus but are now treated as distinct medicinal species.

What is Pyeongwi-san?

A classical four-herb formula built around black atractylodes for damp-stagnation in the digestive system — bloating, diarrhea, and heaviness — pairing its strong drying action with tangerine peel and licorice.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.