The efficacy and function of Acorus dahurica

There are many kinds of common Chinese medicinal materials in life. Many people don’t know how to choose when using them, such as Acorus dahurica. So before choosing, you need to have a certain understanding of its efficacy and dosage. So do you know what the efficacy and effects of Acorus dahurica are?

[Alias] Nichang (Leigong Paozhi Lun">Leigong Paozhi Lun), Shuichang, Shuisu, Jingpu, Shuichangpu (Bielu), Xisun, Lansun (Tao Hongjing), Dixin (Shiyao Erya), Nichangpu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Pujian (Caomu Bianfang), Shuixingcao, Jiachangpu (Guangxi Chinese Veterinary Medicinal Plants), Stinky Pu (Jiangsu Plant Medicine Records), Large-leaf Calamus, Tuhaopu (Sichuan Chinese Medicine Records).

[Source] It is the rhizome of Acorus calamus, a plant of the Araceae family. It can be harvested throughout the year, but the best time is from August to September. After digging, wash, remove the roots and dry. Some are cut into small pieces of 0.5 to 1 cm when fresh and dried.

[Original form] Perennial herb. The rhizome is horizontal, thick, white with purple. The leaves are basal, long sword-shaped, 50-80 cm long, 1-1.5 cm wide, gradually pointed at the apex, with parallel veins and a prominent midrib. The flower stalk is flat, the spathe is leaf-like, extremely elongated, and about the same length as the leaves; the spadix is ​​columnar, sessile, about 4-7 cm long, about 1 cm wide, light yellow-green, and densely borne fine flowers; the flowers are bisexual, with 6 perianths, broadly linear, membranous and transparent, light brown at the apex, and about 2 mm long; there are 6 stamens, the same length as the perianth segments, the anthers are yellow, the filaments are white, and flat and linear; there is 1 pistil, and the ovary is oblong. The berries are red when ripe. Flowering period is from May to June. The fruiting period is from June to July.

【Habitat distribution】Grows near water and in wet places. Distributed all over the country.

[Properties] The dried rhizome is slightly cylindrical, with a few branches, 5 to 20 cm long and 2.5 cm in diameter. The surface is brown with fine longitudinal wrinkles. There are triangular leaf scars on the upper nodes, arranged alternately left and right. There are usually brown scaly hairs remaining on the ridges of the nodes, and there are fine roots or root scars on the lower part. For peeled herbal medicine, there are no obvious traces of leaves and roots. The fracture surface is gray-brown or dark brown, and the tissue is soft. The aroma is unique and distinct, and the taste is bitter and spicy. The best ones are those with thick rhizomes, yellow-white surface, and without scales, leaves and fibrous roots. It is mainly produced in Hubei, Hunan, Liaoning, Sichuan and other places. In addition, it is also produced in Heilongjiang, Hebei, Shanxi, Jiangsu, Guangdong, Guangxi and other places.

[Processing] Pick out impurities, wash, soak for a while, moisten thoroughly, slice, and dry.

【Nature and flavor】 Bitter, pungent, warm.

【Functions and indications】Resolving phlegm, opening the orifices, strengthening the spleen, and removing dampness. Treat epilepsy, palpitations, forgetfulness, confusion, dampness stagnation, fullness and distension, diarrhea, dysentery, rheumatic pain, carbuncle and scabies.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 1 to 2 qian; or grind into powder and put into capsules. For external use: decoct in water for washing or grind into powder for application.

[Note] Patients with Yin deficiency and Yang hyperactivity, excessive sweating, and slippery semen should take with caution.

[Additional prescription] ① For treating forgetfulness, palpitations and mental confusion: 3 qian of calamus, 3 qian of polygala, 3 qian of poria, 5 qian of tortoise shell and 3 qian of dragon bone. Grind together into fine powder. Take 1.5 qian each time, three times a day. (Shandong Chinese Herbal Medicine Handbook)

【Clinical application】 ①Treatment of chronic tracheitis

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

The above is a detailed description of the effects and eating methods of Acorus calamus. Medicines like Acorus calamus are very effective in treating diseases. However, it should be noted that when using Acorus calamus, it needs to be used in moderation and not too much, otherwise it will not be of any benefit to the body.