Earth of Water: Baizhu 白術
味苦皆屬水，地黃為之主，黃芩為木，黃連為火，白術為土，竹葉為金。 All bitter belongs to water; it is governed by Dihuang, Huangqin is wood, Huanglian is fire, Baizhu is earth, and Zhuye is metal. The Tang Ye Jing lists Baizhu (白術) or Atractylodes Root as the Earth of Water. We know from basic Five Phase thinking that Earth controls or restrains (ke 克) Water, and it is this relationship between Earth and Water that is exemplified by Baizhu. This means Baizhu is an indispensable herb in treating disorders involving dampness and fluid metabolism. The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing emphasizes these qualities in its entry on (Bai)Zhu: 術 味苦溫。主治濕痺、死肌、痙疸，止汗除熱，消食 … 久服輕身、延年不饑。一名山薊。生鄭山山谷。 Zhu tastes bitter [and its flavor is] warm. It governs damp obstruction, dead muscles [i.e. atrophied or weakened muscles], tetany, jaundice, stopping sweating, eliminating heat, and dissolving food [i.e. supporting digestion]….protracted taking lightens the body, prolongs life, and eliminates hunger. Its other name is Shan Ji (“Mountain T