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Sagittaria, Arrowhead

Sagittalis
Ci Gu (TCM, Corm)
Salmon, Botanologia, 1710
A. Masclef, Atlas des plantes de France, vol. 3: t. 310 (1893)

Botanical name:
Sagittaria sagittifolia (syn. Alisma saggitaria)

Parts used:
Herb; Seed; Corm

Temperature & Taste:
Cool, neutral in respect of dry/moist, Pungent

Classifications:
Alterative, Astringent, Abstersive, Incarnative, Glutinative, Traumatic or Vulnerary;
Appropriated to the Spleen, Reins and Joints (Salmon)

Uses:
HERB:
1. Clears Heat, Stops Bleeding, Promotes Healing:
-used for Wounds, both internally and topically
-Blood in the Sputum, Urine or Stool
-as a 'Diet drink' for Running Ulcers and Fistulas
-much used for Scurvy (Vitamin C deficiency with with bleeding gums and non-healing wounds)

2. Clears Damp, Promotes Urine:
-Diarrhea (Herb)
-Saline tincture for Gravel and Stones (Tubers have also been taken for Gravel)
-Seed powder is used for Edema

3. Kills Worms:
-Seed Powder was given for Worms in Children

4. Externally:
-as a gargle for Sores of the Mouth and Sore Throat
-as a douche for Leukorrhea
-juice is applied to Erysipelas and Inflammations
-leaf powder is applied to pruritus (India)
-leaf applied to inflammations of the Breast (India)
-Cataplasm is effective for Hot joint pain and Gout
-Cataplasm is applied to fresh Trauma to hinder the swelling and prevent bruising
-Cataplasm is also applied to Snake and Insect Bites
-Rhizome is grated, mixed with vinegar and applied to Boils and Abscesses


CORM (TCM):
1. Clears Heat from the Blood, Moves the Blood:
-Postpartum Blood stasis
-Retained Placenta
-Tumors, Cancers

2. Clears Heat, Stops Cough:
-Cough with Blood-streaked mucus

3. Clears Heat and Damp, Promotes Urine:
-Strangury

4. Resists Poison:
-Decoction of the Rhizome is used for Dog and Snake Bite


DOSE:
The herb and tubers have been used as food in several cultures.
Decoction of the herb in Wine, or Water and Wine: 3–6 oz.
Saline Tincture of the Herb: 1–2 drams
Juice: 2–4 spoonfuls (usually in Wine)
Seed in Powder: 2–4 grams

NOTE:
1. Note the herb is more used in the West, the Corm being used in TCM. However it can be noted that there uses are ultimately similar. Both used for Bleeding, especially Hemoptysis. And both being used for Urinary disorders.
2. Salmon said the Saline Tincture opens obstructions of the Spleen and carries off the foul humors that feed Running  Sores, Putrid Ulcers and Fistulas.

COMMENT:
This was formerly classed as an Alisma spp. (a variety of Water Plantain). It is now placed in its own genus, Sagittaria. It is worth noting that Water Plantain (Ze Xie) is regarded in TCM as neutral in respect of dryness and moisture, as it is diuretic, but without damaging the Yin (ie. being over-drying). Arrowhead probably has the same effect.

Main Combinations:
1. Cancer (esp. Bladder Cancer), Arrowhead corm, Astragalus Huang Qi, Poria Fu Ling, Polyporus Zhu Ling, Paeonia Bai Shao, Zedoary (E Zhu), China root (Tu Fu Ling), Cinnamon twig (Gui Zhi), Rehmannia Shu Di, Licorice. (Qi Ci San Ling Decoction)

Major Formulas:


Cautions:
1. Raw tubers may cause Diarrhea. However, some sources (Grieves) state the raw tubers may be eaten.
2. Not used during Pregnancy
3. Sandaracopimaric acid suppresses T-cells in animals.

Main Preparations used: