The source is from the tuber of Sparganium stoloniferum Buch. Ham., family Sparganiaceae. The medicinal material is mainly produced in the areas of Jiangsu, Henan, Shandong, Jiangxi and Anhui. Dug and collected in winter and spring, peeled, dried in the sun, moistened thoroughly and then cut into pieces. The crude form or the one stir-baked with vinegar is used.

Medicinal Properties: Bitter in flavor, mild in nature and attributive to the liver and spleen
meridians.

Actions: Remove blood stasis, activate circulation of qi and alleviate pain.

 

Application
1. It is used for stagnation of qi and stasis of blood manifested as amenorrhea, abdominal pain and mass. Since it can promote circulation of qi to alleviate pain as well as remove blood stasis, it can be used in combination with Ezhu (Rhizoma Zedoariae) every time to treat the above syndrome.
For example, Sanleng Wan (Pill) is used for amenorrhea and abdominal pain due to blood stasis.
2. For stagnation of food with fullness and pain of epigastric abdomen, it is usually combined with Ezhu (Rhizoma Zedoariae ) , Qingpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride ) and Maiya (Fructus Hordi Germinatus ), etc. ;if the syndrome is accompanied by weakness of the spleen and stomach, Dangshen ( Radix Codonopsis ), Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae) and others that enrich qi and nourish the spleen should be combined with.

Usage and Dosage: 3 - 10 g is used in decoction for oral use. That prepared with vinegar can strengthen the action of alleviating pain.

Notes: Contraindicated in excessive menstruation and pregnant women.