Atractylodes macrocephala (Atractylodes macrocephala)
Other names: Bai Zhu, 白 术, Bighead Atractylodis, Bighead Rhizome, Rhizoma atractylodis macrocephalae, White Atractylodis
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Atractyllis grandiflora, also known as Bai Zhu, is not a common plant you would find in your garden, but it is very popular in the East, especially in China. This plant, which belongs to the star family, is prized for its medicinal properties, which have been used in Eastern medicine for centuries. Bai Zhu, as Atractylis grandiflorus is known in China, is mainly known for its positive effect on the digestive system. But not only that, the use of this plant material is significantly wider.
Bai Zhu, also known as Atractylus major, is mainly known and used in the following products: herbal teas, tinctures, capsules to aid digestion or medicinal ointments. Thanks to its bright flowers and interesting leaves, Atraktylis large-headed could also be a nice addition to landscape design. However, some gardeners prefer other species of Atractilis that have more showy flowers. Often, however, Bai Zhu is grown primarily for its health benefits, especially in countries such as China and Japan. Even though Atraktylis grandiflora is rather exotic in our conditions, its popularity and use in the East proves that it is a plant with great potential that could be of interest in our area.