Shí Chāng Pú (石菖蒲) — Acorus Rhizome

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Cautions and contraindications
6. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Shí Chāng Pú (石菖蒲) is the rhizome of Acorus tatarinowii (formerly Acorus gramineus). It belongs to the category of Aromatic herbs that open the orifices in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important herbs in Chinese herbal medicine for clearing Phlegm from the orifices of the Heart, improving concentration and supporting recovery after stroke or in early cognitive decline.

I prescribe Shí Chāng Pú as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Opens the orifices, vaporises Phlegm and quietens the Shen
2. Awakens the Spleen and transforms Damp
3. Improves hearing and eyesight (by clearing Phlegm from the upper sensory orifices)

Indications

1. Confusion, slurred speech and poor memory following stroke or in cognitive decline (Phlegm misting the Heart orifices)
2. Forgetfulness, poor concentration and brain fog in chronic fatigue and post-viral states
3. Epilepsy with Phlegm-Heat or Phlegm patterns
4. Damp obstructing the middle burner with chest oppression and loss of appetite
5. Tinnitus, deafness and recurrent ear infections from Phlegm

4. Modern research

Acorus contains an essential oil rich in β-asarone and α-asarone, along with lignans and amino acids. Studies report neuroprotective, anticonvulsant, anti-amyloid and anxiolytic effects. Modern research investigates Acorus extracts for Alzheimer’s, post-stroke aphasia and epilepsy. Acorus tatarinowii contains much lower β-asarone levels than the European Acorus calamus, but β-asarone is still regulated in food applications in some jurisdictions; clinical herbal use at standard doses for limited durations is the safe approach.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in patients with Yin-deficiency heat with night sweats or seminal emission. Avoid in pregnancy. Long-term high-dose use is not appropriate because of β-asarone content.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).

6. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Shí Chāng Pú as part of tailored herbal formulas for post-viral brain fog and poor concentration, support after stroke alongside conventional rehabilitation, early cognitive decline with Phlegm features and recurrent middle-ear congestion. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.

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