Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Atractylodes, particularly Atractylodes macrocephala, is a well-known herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) where it is used to treat a variety of symptoms including chills. In TCM, chills are often interpreted as a sign of a deficiency or imbalance in the body's "Qi" (vital energy) and the function of the spleen, which is thought to govern the transformation and transportation of fluids and energy. Atractylodes is classified as a warm, bitter, and sweet herb that tonifies the spleen and dries dampness, thereby supporting the body's ability to resist "external pathogenic factors," such as wind-cold, that are believed to cause chills.

Historically, Atractylodes is a key ingredient in classic herbal formulas like Gui Zhi Tang and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, which are prescribed for symptoms including chills, fever, poor appetite, and fatigue. Although there is some modern research into the immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of Atractylodes extracts, there is limited direct scientific evidence specifically validating its efficacy for chills as understood in Western medicine. Most of the support for its use in chills comes from centuries of traditional use and the theoretical framework of TCM rather than from randomized controlled trials or clinical studies focused on this specific symptom.

In summary, the use of Atractylodes to treat chills is primarily supported by traditional medicine, with modest evidence levels, and should be viewed in the context of holistic TCM diagnostics rather than as a stand-alone remedy validated by modern scientific research.

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