The source is from Rhizoma of Acorus gramineus Soland., family Araceae, mainly produced in the areas of Sichuan, Zhejiang and Jiangsu, etc.. The medicinal material is harvested in autumn and winter, processed by removing fibrous root and cleaning, and dried in the sun. The crude or fresh one can be used. Medicinal Properties Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, and attributive to the heart and stomach meridians. Actions Regain consciousness and tranquilize the mind, eliminate dampness and harmonize the stomach. Application 1. It is applied for coma of sthenia type due to the accumulation of dampness or phlegm, or epilepsy. For the former , it is usually used together with Yujin (Radix Curcumae), Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae), etc., such as in Changpu Yujin Tang (Decoction). For epilepsy and dementia, the ground powder is taken with the soup of pig heart, a-Asarone, the active component of it, is extracted for use as well. 2. For amnesia, palpitation, insomnia, or tinnitus, it is usually used together with Yuanzhi (Radix Polygalae) , Fuling ( Poria ), Renshen ( Radix Ginseng) and Longchi (Dens Draconis), such as Anshen Dingzhi Wan (Pill). 3. For stagnation of dampness in the spleen and stomach manifested as fullness of the chest and stomach and poor appetite, it is used together with Jupi (Pericarpium Citri Tangerinae ), Houpo ( Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis), and Banxia ( Rhizoma Pinelliae ). It is combined with Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis) and Fuling (Poria), etc. to compose a prescription of Kaijin San (Powder) to treat dysentery and tenesmus with inability to take food. Usage and Dosage 3 - 10 g is used in decoction. It is unsuitable for decocting for a long time.
