Shi Chang Pu - Sweetflag Rhizome
TCM Materia Medica
Shi Chang Pu TCM Herb Classifications and Usages
The TCM herb "shi chang pu" which in english is 
"sweetflag rhizome", is categorized within the "herbs that open orifices" functional grouping. It is thought to enter the heart and stomach channels and exhibits acrid, aromatic and warm (wen) taste/temperature properties.
Dosages and preparations will vary according to each individual and the overall approach of a formula, but generally this herb has the following dosage and/or preparation guidelines:
- Dosage: 3-9g
Of many possible clinical applications, it may be considered to influence the following issues/symptoms:
- Opens the orifices, vaporizes phlegm, quiets the spirit - sensory orifice disorders due to phlegm, deafness, dizziness, poor memory, dulled sensation, seizures.
- Harmonize the middle warmer, transform turbid damp, abdominal pain.
- Wind-cold damp - painful obstruction, trauma and sores.
Shi Chang Pu may potentially be used, in coordination with a well tailored formula (in most cases), to influence the following conditions: abdominal pain, deafness (hearing loss), dizziness (vertigo), epilepsy (seizure) and/or memory problems
While it may not always be included depending on the manufacturer or herbalist making the formula, shi chang pu is generally included in the following 5 formulas:
ViewAn Shen Bu Xin Wan (Calm the Shen and Supplement the Heart Pills)
Insomnia and palpitations Anxiety, possible difficulty with concentration Irritibility and restlessness Tinnitus
ViewBi Xie Fen Qing Yin Wan (Dioscorea Formula To Separate The Clear)
Generally for painful urination issues (gao lin) that arises from kidney yang deficiency. With related kidney yang deficiency pattern - chronic urinary tract infections, leukorrhea, vaginal thrush. …
ViewBu Nao Wan (Brain Supplementing Pills)
A range of psychiatric, cognitive decline, trauma issues - benefit and clears the brain, transforms phlegm and tonifies kidney qi and the blood. Often used for both general cognitive decline/dementi…
ViewSang Piao Xiao Wan (Mantis Egg Case Powder)
Frequent urination, possibly incontinent from weakness in the heart and kidney systems. Pang Guang Shi Yue (bladder losing restraint). Other kidney deficiency signs possible such as spermatorrhea, …
ViewTong Qiao Huo Xue Wan (Unblock the Orifices and Invigorate the Blood Decoction)
Blood stagnation particularly in the head - migraines and/or headaches with other sensory factors - auras, sound sensitivity, etc. Dizziness, tinnitus, hair loss - with underlying blood stagnation s…
As noted above, shi chang pu is within the herbs that open orifices functional group. All the herbs in this category are listed below.
(truncated intro "... opens up sensory orifices and awakens the spirit - delirium, coma, locked jaw, clenched fists, rigid limbs, seizures. there herbs are scattering by nature and can drain yuan qi; treats symptoms, not the root. )".
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