Because of its unique fragrance, Acorus calamus not only does not attract mosquitoes, but also has the effect of repelling mosquitoes and killing insects. Pharmacologically, because of its bitter taste, it can dispel dampness and regulate stomach, and it is used to treat gastrointestinal diseases such as abdominal distension, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and diarrhea caused by damp heat in summer, so it has always been loved by people.
The ancients did not hesitate to praise Acorus calamus, the most famous of which was this sentence: "In addition to clearing the air and getting rid of dust, inspiration lies between water and stone." Because Acorus calamus is green all year round, it neither blooms nor attracts bees and butterflies, so the ancients called it static product and longevity product. Therefore, the ancients also had the motto of admonishing the younger generation with calamus. The motto says, "Players cherish, and morality focuses on dimensions."
Acorus calamus tastes fresh and has an idyllic flavor. When it is inhaled into the abdomen, it will have a refreshing feeling of rising. In addition, ancient literati reading and writing at their desks also had the disadvantage of improving their eyesight. In view of this situation, a very light countermeasure was invented in traditional life, that is, a "Pushi basin" was set up in the study, and the eyes were moistened by the condensation on the leaves of Acorus calamus. The ancients believed that scrubbing eyes with dew condensed on cypress leaves or calamus leaves every morning could keep eyes healthy and make them bright. The ancestors also regarded Acorus calamus as sacred grass and endowed it with personality, and designated April 14 of the lunar calendar as the birthday of Acorus calamus.
It may be precisely because of these effects that Acorus calamus has a lofty position for a long time in ancient and modern times and is deeply loved by literati. And during the Dragon Boat Festival in southern China, people in the south of the Yangtze River hung calamus and mugwort leaves on the doors and windows to drink calamus wine, which symbolized the practice of expelling evil and epidemics.
In a word, Acorus calamus really embodies many interesting traditional cultural factors because of its special effects, such as evil spirits and eyesight. It has become the only non-flowering, elegant herb that China people like, and it has not lost its position after thousands of years.