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Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) is born by inheriting the qi of early summer; its taste is bitter and its nature is warm, transforming into fire. It obtains the harmonious qi of earth, augmented by sweetness, manifesting the virtue of earth; therefore, it is non-toxic. Its aroma is pungent and intense, its taste is sweet and rich, and its nature is purely yang. Compared with Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Bai Zhu has more tonifying effects and less dryness. The Bai Zhu from Zhejiang is also named Yun Shu (Cloud Atractylodes); due to nourishment by manure, it grows large and becomes oily easily. Lian Shu (Converging Atractylodes), commonly known as Dog-Head Atractylodes, is thin, small, dry, and white; it obtains a very abundant earth qi and actually surpasses Yun Shu. It is suitable to be soaked whole in rice wash water overnight, sliced, dried, and stir-fried until deep yellow. If used in yin-nourishing prescriptions, stir-fry with human milk; if used in anti-diarrheal prescriptions, stir-fry with soil from the east wall; if used in distension-treating prescriptions, stir-fry with bran.

Bai Zhu warms the spleen and benefits fluids, removes dampness and increases dryness, strengthens the spleen and promotes appetite, digests grains and tonifies the middle jiao, eliminates retained fluid due to stomach deficiency, regulates acute pain in the epigastrium, tonifies internal injury from fatigue and overwork, expels systemic bi-syndrome caused by dampness, drives out food retention and phlegm-fluids in the stomach region, wind between skin and hair, blood stasis between waist and umbilicus, lethargy of hands and feet, and excessive sleepiness. In the qi level, it governs qi; in the blood level, it governs blood. It is the sacred medicine for insufficient middle qi and various deficiencies of the spleen and stomach. Combined with Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), it can eliminate zheng masses (fixed abdominal masses); combined with Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), it can calm the fetus. When there is sweating, it stops sweat; when there is no sweating, it induces sweating. It is contraindicated in asthma and wheezing syndromes.

Main indications (Integrating analysis with smallpox/rash diseases): Strengthens the spleen and stops diarrhea, tonifies deficiency and consolidates sweating. Increase dosage when pustules overflow with fluid. However, using it during the stage where rash fluids are thick will prevent the movement of moistening qi, making it difficult for the rash to form pus. Furthermore, it is strictly prohibited in cases accompanied by severe heat with wheezing and cough, hoarseness, irritability, thirst, and irritability due to heat toxicity. It is only highly suitable for cases of diarrhea, deficiency-thirst, numerous blisters, or obesity with failure to scab, as well as for those with severe deficiency of middle qi.

Commentary: Bai Zhu is sweet and warm, obtaining the harmonious qi of central earth, and is the premier product for tonifying the spleen and stomach. The "Ode to Atractylodes" states: Its taste is precious like golden nectar, its fragrance exceeds jade liquid; externally it defends against hundred evils, internally it fills the six fu-organs. Observing the prosperity of herbs, none benefit oneself as much as Bai Zhu's many merits. Whenever encountering sudden illness with weak chi pulse and symptoms of impending collapse of middle qi, using this fragrant and harmonious substance to support the middle qi yields truly miraculous results, second only to Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma). Consider that ancient formulas such as Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) and Baizhu Fuzi Tang (Atractylodes and Aconite Decoction) all rely on it as the sovereign herb, and various formulas for tonifying deficiency and restoring continuity must use it as an assistant. However, it inevitably leans slightly towards dryness; long-term use may avoid bias? No, unlike Ren Shen which purely inherits yang-harmonious qi and can be taken long-term alone. Unfortunately, common physicians often generally dislike its cloying nature, likely because they have not read the Materia Medica or lack proficiency in processing methods. Nevertheless, it is contraindicated in cases with moving qi and palpitations, as well as yin-deficiency with dry mouth/thirst and constipation.