Characteristics Rhizome appearing as irregular masses, 3-13 cm long, 1.5-7.0 cm broad; Surface grey-yellow, nodes indistinct, with tubercular protuberances and fibrous root scars, stem bases and bud scars remaining at the upper end. Section loose, with spotted and scattered brown secretory cavities. Aromatic in odour. Sweet and bitter in taste, warm in nature and attributive to spleen and stomach channels.

White Atractylodes is a very commonly used herb in Chinese herbalism tobuild "Qi" (energy), strengthen digestion, and eliminate dampness. When combined with blood tonics and other "Qi" tonics it can help fortify and circulate the blood. It benefits the spleen greatly and builds the defensive "Qi" (Wei Qi) of the body, thus helping stop spontaneous sweating.