Atractylodes ovata.  苍 术  Cāng zhú  
Lancea = lance-like, so lance-leaved atractylodes
Atractylodes refers mainly to Atractylodes macrocephala- Bai zhu. Less frequently used is Atractylodes lancea- Cang zhu. Weaker varieties are A. chinensis, A. japonicum, and A. ovata.[2]
Nature: warm    FLAVOR: Pleasant and acrid
FUNCTIONS
1. Tones the Spleen, counteracts Damp, removes gas and discharge.[1]
INDICATIONS
1. Chills, rheumatism, diarrhea, edema, fullness in chest and abdomen, weakness of legs.[1]
COMPARISONS: Bai Zhu and Cang Zhu- both are atractylodes and fortify the Spleen and dry Dampness.[4]
Bai zhu- slightly acrid, bitter but not very stong. Works to tonify and strengthen Spleen.[3]
Cang zhu- flavor more acrid- more into muscles, more for drying moisture, not very tonifying.[3]  However, Cang zhu is aromatic, bitter, and warm and has a dry and harsh nature. It upbears yang, dissipates depression, and dries dampness. It has a stronger upbearing and dissipating action than baizhu, but its ability to fortify the spleen, supplement Qi, and engender blood is weaker.[4]
PREPARATIONS: Decoction  4-9 g.[1]
References
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