石菖蒲 / 菖蒲 / 水剑草 — Acorus tatarinowii Schott (incl. Acorus calamus L.)

Pinyin: Shí Chāngpú · Malay: Jeringau / Dringo / Jerangau Merah · Family: Acoraceae (菖蒲科)

Energetics

Warm (微温 / 温)

Flavor

Pungent, bitter, intensely aromatic (辛、苦、大香)

Meridians

Heart (心), Spleen (脾), Stomach (胃)

Traditional Edict

Opens sensory orifices and calms spirit, transforms turbid phlegm, harmonizes stomach, brightens ears and eyes. Superior elixir for phlegm-veiled consciousness, stroke aphasia, amnesia, and tinnitus.

Cautions & Contraindications

Acorus tatarinowii is mandated (safer low-toxic profile than high-beta-asarone European Calamus). Contraindicated in Yin deficiency fire without phlegm.

Clinical Applications

Vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, post-stroke cognitive recovery, ADHD, tinnitus, central insomnia, refractory epilepsy, and dyspepsia.

Quality Markers

b-Asarone >= 0.50% & a-Asarone via GC-MS/HPLC (Chinese Pharmacopoeia standard)

Mechanism & Phytochemistry

1. a-Asarone and b-asarone cross blood-brain barrier, upregulate BDNF/TrkB, inhibit AChE, and protect cortical synapses against Abeta toxicity. 2. Positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors, suppressing epileptic discharges. 3. Relaxes stomach smooth muscle.

Preparation & Dosage

Sliced dried jointed rhizomes decocted 15-20 minutes: 3-10 g daily (up to 15 g in acute psychiatric/coma regimens). Malay Boreh/Pilis postpartum forehead paste with ginger.

Appended Prescriptions

1. Chang Pu Yu Jin Tang (菖蒲郁金汤) with Curcuma wenyujin (Yu Jin) and Gardenia for high-fever delirium and stroke coma. 2. Ding Zhi Wan (定志丸) with Polygala (Yuan Zhi) and Ginseng.

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Yemama Apothecary · Petaling Jaya, Malaysia · For educational and clinical reference only