Grass-leaved sweet flag (shi chang pu)

Acorus tatarinowii (syn. A. gramineus)

Traditionally attributed effects: opens the sense orifices, clears the mind and expels dampness and phlegm.

Safety notes

Contains β-asarone, which is carcinogenic in animal studies: do not use for long periods. Not with yin deficiency with heat; caution with heavy sweating or loss of semen. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Cautions by tradition (1)

Chinese materia medica: Unconsciousness and seizures are emergencies.

Preparation

Rhizome. Usually as a decoction, together with other herbs.

Use in traditions

Described in the classical Chinese materia medica, in the group 'aromatic substances that open the sense orifices'. According to Chinese medicine shi chang pu opens the 'sense orifices' in confusion, forgetfulness and deafness. In China and Japan sweet flag is hung by the door at the Dragon Boat Festival. Some calamus species contain beta-asarone, which is carcinogenic in animal studies.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Chinese materia medica

Nature and taste: pungent, warm
Meridians: heart, liver, stomach

Attributed effects

For phlegm that 'covers' the heart with forgetfulness, deafness and confusion, dampness that blocks digestion with poor appetite and a full feeling in chest and abdomen, and internally and externally for pain from wind, cold and dampness or injury.

Preparation and amount

Traditional dosage: 3–9 g a day, usually in a decoction. Related to sweet flag (calamus).

Combinations

With huang lian for damp heat in the middle with dysentery
With tangerine peel and hou po for cold dampness
With polygala and fu ling in an shen ding zhi wan for insomnia, forgetfulness and tinnitus

Caution: Unconsciousness and seizures are emergencies.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction
Formulas: Sang piao xiao san

Sources

All herbs from Asia →