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Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), also known as Yaojiu (Emperor's Leek). There are five varieties in total.

Those growing in ponds and marshes, with thick leaves and a height of two to three chi, are Ninchangpu (Mud Acorus), also called Baichangpu (White Acorus).

Those growing by the water, with slender leaves and roots/stems two to three chi high, are Shuichangpu (Water Acorus), also called Xisun (Stream Iris).

Those growing between rocks and water, with leaves having a sword-like ridge, slender stems with dense nodes, and a height of about one chi, are Shichangpu (Rock Acorus).

When cultivated in sand, Shichangpu is trimmed and washed every spring; the more it is trimmed, the finer the rhizome becomes, resembling the root of a leek or the handle of a spoon. Those reaching a height of four to five chi are also classified as Shichangpu.

In severe cases, the rhizome may be only two to three fen long, with leaves about one cun long, referred to as Qianpu (Coin Acorus). For medicinal use, only two types of Shichangpu should be used; the others are unsuitable.

[Properties and Indications]
Pungent and slightly bitter in taste, warm in nature. It primarily benefits the Heart Qi, regulates Qi mechanism, unblocks the nine orifices, and clarifies the ears and eyes. It treats tinnitus or ear pain, Ke Wu (sudden onset of illness due to external pathogenic factors) and epilepsy, eliminates Xin Ji Fu Liang (accumulations in the heart region), and descends Qi to treat Bi syndrome caused by dampness. (The "Bi syndrome in Yin and meridians" is caused by dampness and wind; salty substances can promote dissemination, and if applied during cold-water dominant periods, efficacy is even more rapid.)

It also stops chest pain. For insufficiency of Heart Qi, Shenling Baizhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder) combined with Shichangpu can be used, pairing Ginseng, Poria, and Shichangpu. Water and earth harmonize to generate herbs; among them, Shichangpu fully acquires the vital Yang Qi, absorbing water fluids and coiling around sandstones without relying on soil power, flourishing in streams and riverbanks, hence named Changpu. Regarding its therapeutic function, it should be called Changyang; regarding its generative nature, it should be called Yangchang. (Commentary by Ziyao) Ancient prescriptions include methods for taking Changpu alone. For cold Qi pain in the heart and abdomen, take one or two cun, crush it, decoct with Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus), and drink the soup. For sudden chest pain, chew one or two cun and swallow with hot water or wine. (Commentary by Song) Dysentery with inability to eat (Jinkou), although caused by Spleen deficiency, is also due to heat qi blocking the heart and chest. Commonly used drugs like Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) are too warming, and Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) is too cloying. Only Shenling Baizhu San added with Shichangpu, taken with rice gruel, is suitable. Alternatively, Ginseng, Poria, Lotus Seed Meat, Phellodendri Cortex, and Bixie (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma) may be compounded.

[Discussion]
Changpu absorbs the Qi of a hundred Yins and begins to grow fifty-seven days after the Winter Solstice, coiling among rocks and water, absorbing fluids without borrowing the strength of soil. Any slight mud residue must be scraped off before sun-drying for use. It governs the Minister Fire, acts as the master of meridians and collaterals, and tonifies the deficiency of Heart Qi. Its Yang Qi flourishes within Yin, sensing the generative Qi, allowing Yang Qi to connect with Heaven.

[Differentiation and Treatment]
Shichangpu growing on stones is tender yellow, tight, and hard. Those with dense nodes, specifically nine nodes per cun, are authentic. The center is slightly reddish, with a pungent aroma and little residue, which is superior.