Aromatic Substances that Open the Orifices: Shi Chang Pu (reed)

shi chang pu

石菖蒲 rhizoma acori graminei

"flourishing reeds" ("sweetflag" or "calamus")

ACRID
BITTER
AROMATIC

WARM

HEART & STOMACH

dosage healthy: 3 - 9 grams

The least interesting of this group of herbs and also the least harmful, as it does not require any dead deer or cattle (well, neither does the camphor "Bing Pian"). Shi Chang Pu is deemed to be "gentle and harmonious." Maybe that's why it's the only open orifice herb included in our kits? Because we can't accidentally kill somebody with it! The plant, acorus or calamus, is the sole genus of the oldest line of monocots. Calamus is a tall, grassy wetland plant, named for the Greek figure who turned into a reed while grieving for his drowned young male lover. Aw. Sweet. Or rather, aw, acrid, bitter, and aromatic. I cannot find concrete evidence, but I think that calamus is the source of calamine, which is the basic ingredient in Calamine Lotion, used for itchy bug bites. And Shi Chang Pu does treat eczema, carbuncles and boils topically. Calamine Lotion is also said to be drying, and Shi Chang Pu "disseminates and transforms turbid dampness and phlegm." Sounds like the same thing to me...

However, the benefits to skin sores are only a minor indication for Shi Chang Pu. Its primary functions are:

1. Opens the Orifices / Dislodges Phlegm/ Removes Filth / Quiets the Spirit

* deafness
* dizziness
* forgetfulness
* dulled sensorium
* seizures
* stupor

2. Transforms Turbid Damp / Awakens the Spleen / Promotes Movement of Qi

* SP Qi - symptoms: chest and epigastric fullness, abdominal distension and pain due to dampness and turbidity obstructing the middle burner

3. Promotes Blood Flow / Reduces Swelling (internally and topically)

* wind-cold-damp painful obstruction, trauma, sores
* hoarseness w/ sputum


Caution in yin deficient heat or irritability with excess sweating, vomiting blood, spermatorrhea.

Not for long term use -- the volatile oils are carcinogenic.