1. Description:
Acorus calamus (scientific name: Acorus calamus L., also known as sweet flag or calamus, Chinese Pinyin: Chang Pu, Simplified Chinese: 菖蒲, 白菖蒲, 藏菖蒲, 泥菖蒲, 香蒲, 野菖蒲, 臭菖蒲, 山菖蒲, 白菖蒲, 剑菖蒲, 大菖蒲), is a species of perennial, tuberous wetland monocot in genus Acorus (botanical aroids family, Acoraceae). Found on edges of lakes, ponds and rivers, marshes and wetlands (usually from between 1,500 to 1,750 meters in elevation) and native to India, central Asia, southern Russia and Siberia, the plant can grow up to 100 cm tall. The root of Acorus calamus is used as analgesic, expectorant and dampness-dispelling drug in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) and widely adopted in treating different diseases and health problems, such as eczema.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
The tuberous root of Acorus calamus is considered to have pungent, warm and nontoxic properties and to be associated with the liver and spleen meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Acorus Calamus & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Sore Throat
Acorus calamus root juice is taken with wine to treat sore throat.
3.2 Bleeding Stopping
Acorus calamus root powder and flour are taken orally with water to treat hematemesis due to a lung disorder.
A decoction of Acorus calamus root and wine is taken warm before meal to treat postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) (the loss of more than 500 ml or 1,000 ml of blood within the first 24 hours following childbirth).
3.3 Skin Health
Acorus calamus root juice can be instilled to treat sudden hearing loss (SHL).
Powdered Acorus calamus root can be applied externally to treat eczema.
3.4 Eye Health
Powdered Acorus calamus root mixed with salt can be applied externally to treat hordeolum.
3.5 Gynecological Diseases and Disorders
Medicated wine with Acorus calamus root can be taken daily to treat red and white vaginal discharge in women.
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.