Use of Shi Chang Pu (sweetflag rhizomes) in TCM
Please note that you should never self-prescribe TCM ingredients. A TCM ingredient is almost never eaten on its own but as part of a formula containing several ingredients that act together. Please consult a professional TCM practitioner, they will be best able to guide you.
Preparation: Extract the rhizome, clean it thoroughly and dry it under the sun
Dosage: 3 - 9 grams
Main actions according to TCM*: Opens the Orifices, awakens the Mind (Shen) and expels Wind-Damp Phlegm. Harmonizes the Earth element and dispels Damp. Applied internally or externally for Wind-Cold-Damp painful obstruction.
Primary conditions or symptoms for which Shi Chang Pu may be prescribed by TCM doctors*: Seizures Restlessness Loss of appetite Dysentery Anorexia Epilepsy Impaired hearing Forgetfulness
Contraindications*: This herb should not be used by those with Yin Deficiency with Heat signs and should be used with caution by those with excessive sweating or spermatorrhea
Common TCM formulas in which Shi Chang Pu is used*
Lian Po Yin
Source date: 1862 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Formula key actions: Clears Heat. Transforms Dampness. Regulates Qi. Harmonizes the Middle Burner.
Conditions targeted*: GastroenteritisTyphoid and others
Shi Chang Pu is a deputy ingredient in Lian Po Yin. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Lian Po Yin, Shi Chang Pu transforms Dampness and revives the Spleen
Sheng Tie Luo Yin
Source date: 1732 AD
Number of ingredients: 15 herbs
Formula key actions: Sedates the Heart . Clears Phlegm. Clears Fire. Calms the Mind.
Conditions targeted*: EpilepsyBi-Polar disorder and others
Shi Chang Pu is a deputy ingredient in Sheng Tie Luo Yin. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Sheng Tie Luo Yin, Shi Chang Pu is acrid and slightly warming. It direct Qi downward and thus works well together with acrid, bitter, and slightly warming Chinese senega root.
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Source date: 1831 AD
Number of ingredients: 11 herbs
Formula key actions: Resolves Dampness and transforms turbidity. Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity .
Conditions targeted*: Acute gastroenteritisEnteric fever and others
Shi Chang Pu is a deputy ingredient in Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan. This means it helps the king ingredient(s) treat the main pattern or it serves to treat a coexisting pattern.
In Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan, Shi Chang Pu is fragrant, aromatic, acrid and warming. It transforms Dampness and invigorate Qi.
When the Middle Burner is obstructed by the thick, cloying properties of Dampness, aromatic herbs need to be used to eliminate the turbidity and revive the Spleen.
Key TCM concepts behind Shi Chang Pu's properties
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Shi Chang Pu belongs to the 'Herbs that open the Orifices' category. The functions of these herbs are much more platonic than the name implies. They're used to help treat conditions associated with central nervous system collapse, including strokes and coma.
Furthermore Shi Chang Pu is Warm in nature. This means that Shi Chang Pu tends to help people who have too much 'Cold' in their body, although with less effect than a plant that would be Hot in nature. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Cold in their body are said to either have a Yin Excess (because Yin is Cold in nature) or a Yang Deficiency (Yang is Hot in Nature). Depending on your condition Shi Chang Pu can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.
Shi Chang Pu also tastes Bitter. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Bitter ingredients like Shi Chang Pu tends to have a cleansing action on the body by clearing Heat, drying Dampness and promoting elimination via urination or bowel movements.
The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Shi Chang Pu is thought to target the Stomach, the Heart and the Liver. In TCM the Stomach is responsible for receiving and ripening ingested food and fluids. It is also tasked with descending the digested elements downwards to the Small Intestine. In addition to regulating Blood flow, the Heart is believed to be the store of the 'Mind' which basically refers to someone's vitality. The Liver is often referred as the body's "general" because it is in charge of regulating the movements of Qi and the Body Fluids. It also takes a leading role in balancing our emotions.
Research on Shi Chang Pu
β-Asarone of Chinese herb Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii effectively inhibits the proliferation of human gastric cancer cells, induces their apoptosis and decreased the invasive, migratory and adhesive abilities.1
Sources:
1. Wu J, Zhang XX, Sun QM, Chen M, Liu SL, Zhang X, Zhou JY, Zou X. (2015). β-Asarone inhibits gastric cancer cell proliferation. Oncol Rep , 34(6):3043-50.