White Atractylodes Rhizome

백출 (白朮) · Atractylodes macrocephala Koidz.

Tonic herb Warm Bitter, sweet Spleen, Stomach

NatureWarm

TasteBitter, sweet

MeridiansSpleen, Stomach

Part usedRhizome

FamilyAsteraceae

CategoryTonic herb

Find by concern: Indigestion Poor appetite Diarrhea Spontaneous sweating

Overview

White atractylodes is one of the most widely used spleen-tonifying herbs in Korean tradition, central to formulas that strengthen digestion. The Donguibogam notes that ancient texts did not distinguish it from its relative, black atractylodes (蒼朮/Changchul) — the two were separated into 'white' and 'black' only in later practice.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性溫, 味苦甘, 無毒. 健脾强胃, 止瀉除濕, 消食止汗.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is warm, its taste bitter and sweet, and it is non-toxic. It strengthens the spleen and fortifies the stomach, stops diarrhea and dispels dampness, aids digestion and stops sweating.

Traditional functions

Strengthens the spleen, fortifies the stomach
Dries dampness, stops diarrhea
Aids digestion
Stops spontaneous sweating

Traditional applications

Digestive weakness with loose stools
Bloating after meals
Spontaneous sweating
Fatigue with poor appetite

Traditional preparation

Decoction 4–12g; a core ingredient of Sagunja-tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) alongside ginseng, poria, and licorice.

Cautions

Caution: Warming and drying in nature; traditionally used cautiously in yin-deficiency with dryness or heat-excess patterns. Consult a professional before use.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between white and black atractylodes?

The Donguibogam notes that early materia medica did not distinguish the two; the 'white' (Baekchul) and 'black' (Changchul) classification emerged only in later practice, with white atractylodes generally considered better for tonifying and black for drying dampness.

Why is it paired with ginseng, poria, and licorice?

This combination, Sagunja-tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), is the foundational qi-tonifying formula in Korean and East Asian herbal tradition, addressing spleen-qi deficiency at its root.

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.