Rhizoma Arisaematis
Source
Rhizome of Arisaema erubescens (WalL) Schott, A. heterophyllum. Bl. and
Pinellia pedatisecta Schott, family Araceae. Prepared by drying after
the cortex is peeled off, as crude Arisaema; or by soaking in water and
then in ginger juice and alum water to decrease its toxicity, as Arnaema
preparatae.
Characteristics
Crude Arisaema: Rhizome oblate, 14 cm in diameter. Surface nearly 
white;
top with shallowed or deep discoidal stem base, surrounded by dotted fibrous
root scars; lateral rhizomes of varying size seen on the margin of axial
rhizome. Fracture surface white and farinaceous. Arisaema Preparatae:
Rhizome irregular or cut as square pieces, pitch-black, somewhat farinaceous.
Both are bitter and acrid in taste, warm in nature, toxic or slightly
toxic, and attributive to lung, liver and spleen channels
Indication
1. Deprive dampness and eliminate phlegm: For phlegm-dampness syndrome
with productive cough and thin expectoration, or chronic phlegm-syndrome
with productive cough with chest upset.
2. Expel wind-phlegm and relieve spasm: For dizziness due to wind-phlegm,
apoplexy due to accumulation of phlegm, distortion of the face, numbness
of extremities and hemiplegia due to stagnation of phlegm in the channels,
usually used together with Rhizoma Typhonji and Rhizoma Gastrodiae; for
epilepsy, used together with Fructus Pipens nzgn and Cornu Bubali
3.
Eliminate toxic material, disperse lumps and relieve carbuncle: For skin
infection, scrofula and snake bite.
Pharmacological
Action
1. Its aqueous infusion or alcohol extract exerts an anticonvulsive effect
in mice.
2. Oral administration of its decoction can eliminate phlegm in mice.
Administration
Decoction: 6-9g.
External use: Appropriate amount.