Resuscitative Herbs
Shi Chang Pu (Grassleaf Sweelflag Rhizome)
Name
Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Graminei), from Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing (Shen Nong's Herbal)
Source and quality
The dry rhizome of the perennial herbaceous plant Acorus tatarinowii Schott of the family Araceae. It is produced in the southern region of the Yangtze River in China, and is collected in autumn or winter.
It has a fragrant odor and a bitter, slightly pungent taste. The best grade is thick, off-white in section, and strongly fragrant. It is used fresh or dried, unprocessed.
Nature and action
Pungent, bitter and warm. It enters the heart, spleen and stomach meridians.
It induces resuscitation and refreshes the mind, resolves dampness and harmonizes the stomach, calms the heart and induces tranquilization.
Indications
Block pattern of coma
Its action in inducing resuscitation and refreshing the mind is relatively weak, but combined with the actions of resolving dampness and eliminating phlegm, it is good at treating coma caused by phlegm-damp confusing the orifices.
- For high fever, coma and delirium due to phlegm-heat confusing the orifices, it is often combined with herbs that clear heat and herbs that resolve phlegm, such as Yu Jin, Zhi Zi and Zhu Li in Chang Pu Yu Jin Tang from Wen Bing Quan Shu (Complete Book of Warm Diseases).
Retention of dampness in the middle energizer
With a pungent aroma, it can resolve dampness and enliven the spleen, and harmonize the stomach to help digestion.
- For stuffiness and fullness in the abdomen and epigastrium, and distension and oppression pain due to retention of dampness in the middle energizer, it is often combined with herbs that resolve dampness, such as Sha Ren, Cang Zhu and Hou Po.
- For fever, vomiting and diarrhea, and fullness and stuffiness in the chest and epigastrium with a yellow, greasy tongue coating due to damp-heat accumulated in the intestines and stomach, it is combined with herbs that clear heat and dry dampness, such as Huang Lian and Hou Po in Lian Po Yin from Huo Luan Lun.
Insomnia and amnesia
It calms the heart and induces tranquilization, so it is usually combined with other tranquilizers.
- Fu Ling and Yuan Zhi in An Shen Ding Zhi Wan from Yi Xue Xin Wu, indicated for insomnia and palpitation.
- Kai Xin San from Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang, indicated for amnesia.
Dosage and administration
Decoct 5~10 g. Take double the dose for the fresh herb. It may also be made into pills and powder.
Sources and further reading
We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.
- Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
- Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
- Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
- NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.
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