Scirpus is a member of the sedge family, an aquatic, grass-like plant that grows in wetlands and moist soil. It is also known as the bur reed, sparganium or grass weed. Approximately 200 varieties of scirpus exist in the world, some of which can reach a height of eight feet or more.
The plant’s rhizomes are harvested in the autumn and winter, dried in the sun, and used in a variety of herbal remedies. In addition to its medicinal uses, scirpus is often employed by environmentalists to reduce soil erosion and protect wildlife.
According to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, scirpus is neutral and bitter, and works with the Spleen and Liver meridians. It has two important functions: 1. To remove blood stagnation; 2. To stop pain and promote the flow of qi.
Scirpus stimulates menstrual flow and promotes the production of milk. It invigorates the blood, reduces pain following childbirth and treats abdominal masses. Animal studies have found that scirpus can inhibit the grown of cancerous tumors in mice, but these tests have yet to be conducted on humans.
The recommended dosage of scirpus is 3-9 grams, placed in boiling water and drunk as a decoction.
Dried slices of scirpus rhizome are readily available at most Asian markets and specialty stores. Scirpus extracts and powders may also be available.
Because scirpus stimulates menstrual flow, it should not be used by women who or pregnant, or during periods of heavy menstruation. At this time, there are no known drug interactions with scirpus. As always, make sure to consult with a licensed health care provider before taking scirpus or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
References
Governor Gavin Newsom has retracted the proposed budget cuts to the Medi-Cal acupuncture program for low-income Californians for the 2024-2025 budget year. This decision marks a significant victory for health care providers and advocates who have long championed acupuncture as a vital component of comprehensive medical care.
There’s no doubt that many of your patients visit your practice because they are in pain. And there’s certainly no doubt that curcumin from turmeric (Curcuma longa) can be incredibly effective in stopping that pain, whether due to chronic conditions like arthritis or acute pain from intensive workouts. But your patients may also benefit from curcumin for other reasons.
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Fair and appropriate wages in health care are typically based on economic evaluations. A simple literature review illuminates that acupuncture is missing economic evaluations; which implies you are either underpaid or overpaid. The complexity of services provided by most American acupuncturists, which they are trained and certified to provide, must be reimbursed fairly.
