Sweet Flag

Sweet Flag

　　Sweet Flag was a high-quality traditional Chinese medicinal herb in ancient Pizhou. Both the *History of Song* and the *History of Ming* recorded: 'The Sweet Flag produced in Rukou Town, Pizhou, has 9–10 segments.' While Sweet Flag is grown in many regions across China, those with 9–10 segments are extremely rare and only found in Rukou. Sweet Flag is warm in nature and pungent in taste, capable of opening the orifices, soothing the chest, improving intelligence, and resolving phlegm. It is mainly used to treat conditions such as phlegm obstructing the orifices, clouded consciousness, forgetfulness, and excessive dreaming. It is considered an excellent herb for enhancing intelligence and calming the spirit. As a wild plant, it thrives in moist environments and is commonly found in marshy areas. Nowadays, Sweet Flag from Pizhou is rarely seen, and the 9–10 segmented variety is even more uncommon.