Lalang Grass Rhizome in TCM: Benefits, Uses, and More

Research shows that Lalang Grass Rhizome (Imperatae Rhizoma) has a variety of benefits. It can help with urination, stop bleeding, reduce inflammation, and fight oxidation. It also has anti-tumor and antibacterial properties, helps regulate the immune system, protects the liver, lowers blood pressure, and balances fat metabolism.
Traditionally, it’s been used to treat things like bloody urine, jaundice, vomiting, bleeding, and fever. However, it should be avoided if someone has a weak and cold stomach or spleen, or if they’re experiencing cold-related vomiting.
In the Western world, it’s mostly found in skincare products and dietary supplements. It’s rarely used in mainstream medicine.
So far, there haven’t been any major reports of toxic side effects, but high doses might carry a small risk of mild issues.

Lalang Grass Rhizome (Imperatae Rhizoma)

If you’ve ever wondered about the natural remedies tucked away in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), Lalang Grass Rhizome—also known as 白茅根 (Bai Mao Gen) or Imperatae Rhizoma—might catch your interest. This humble herb, derived from the root of the Imperata cylindrica plant, has been a staple in TCM for centuries. Picture it as nature’s cooling balm, soothing everything from nosebleeds to a parched throat on a scorching day.

In this guide, we’ll explore what makes Lalang Grass Rhizome special, its benefits backed by both tradition and science, how to use it, and what to watch out for—all in a way that’s easy to digest, even if you’re new to herbal medicine.

Table of Contents

What Is Lalang Grass Rhizome?

Lalang Grass Rhizome is the dried root of Imperata cylindrica, a grass that thrives across China’s hillsides and riverbanks, especially in the Yangtze River region and the south. Known as 白茅根 (Bai Mao Gen) in Chinese, it’s harvested in spring or autumn, cleaned, dried, and stripped of its fibrous bits to become a yellowish-white, slightly sweet-tasting herb. In TCM, it’s prized for its “sweet and cold” nature, targeting the lung, stomach, and bladder meridians¹.

What Does It Look Like?

Shape: Long, cylindrical roots, about 30-60 cm long and 0.2-0.4 cm thick.
Color: Yellowish-white or pale yellow with a subtle sheen.
Texture: Lightweight, slightly brittle, with a white interior that splits easily².

Think of it as a slender, earthy straw—unassuming but packed with potential.

Health Benefits and Medical Uses

Lalang Grass Rhizome shines in TCM for its ability to “cool the blood,” stop bleeding, and flush out excess heat. Modern research is starting to back up these claims, identifying compounds like cylindrin and imperanene that give it a medicinal edge. Here’s a rundown of its key benefits:

1. Stops Bleeding Naturally

Ever had a stubborn nosebleed or noticed blood in your cough? In TCM, Lalang Grass Rhizome is a go-to for conditions like³:

Nosebleeds (epistaxis)
Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
Blood in the urine (hematuria)

A study found that extracts of Imperata cylindrica can shorten bleeding time in animals⁴, hinting at why it’s been trusted for centuries.

2. Cools Down Internal Heat

Feeling like your body’s running a furnace? This herb’s cooling properties help with⁵:

Fever and thirst
Dry mouth from “heat toxins”
Irritability during hot weather

It’s like a natural air conditioner for your insides, as noted in ancient texts like Shennong’s Materia Medica, which praised its heat-clearing powers.

3. Boosts Urinary Health

Acting as a diuretic, Lalang Grass Rhizome helps your body flush out excess fluid. It’s useful for⁶:

Swelling (edema)
Painful urination or urinary tract issues
Jaundice from liver heat

Research confirmed its diuretic effects, showing increased urine output in test subjects⁷.

4. Soothes Inflammation

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, it may ease swelling and protect against oxidative stress⁸.

Summary: Lalang Grass Rhizome in TCM has multiple benefits. It stops bleeding, cools internal heat, boosts urinary health, and soothes inflammation. Modern research supports its traditional uses with identified active compounds.

How to Use Lalang Grass Rhizome

Ready to give it a try? Here’s how to use it safely, whether you’re sipping it as a tea or applying it to your skin⁹.

Internal Use

Decoction: Boil 9-30 grams of dried rhizome (or 30-60 grams fresh) in water for 20-30 minutes. Sip it once or twice a day. It’s like brewing a mild, earthy tea.
Quick Tea: Steep 5-10 grams of dried rhizome in hot water for 10-15 minutes—perfect for a lighter dose.

External Use

Poultice: Mash fresh rhizome and slap it on cuts or inflamed spots to stop bleeding or calm irritation.
Wash: Boil it, let it cool, and use the liquid to rinse wounds or soothe skin.

Pro Tip: Fresh is best! It packs more active compounds, so if you spot some at a market, grab it.

A Simple Recipe: Lalang Grass Rhizome Porridge

For swelling or urinary woes:

Ingredients: 50g dried Bai Mao Gen, 200g rice, water.
Steps: Boil the rhizome for 30 minutes, strain out the solids, add rice to the broth, and cook into porridge. Eat it throughout the day.

Safety First: What to Know Before Using

Lalang Grass Rhizome is generally safe, but it’s not for everyone. Its “cold” nature in TCM means it can throw some folks off balance. Here’s what to watch for¹⁰:

Who Should Avoid It?
- People with weak digestion (think frequent diarrhea or stomach chills).
- Those with “cold-type” symptoms, like feeling chilly or vomiting clear fluids.
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women—check with a doctor first, as research is limited.
Possible Side Effects: Overdoing it might upset your stomach or spark a mild allergic reaction.
Storage Tip: Keep it dry and away from copper or iron pots when cooking—it can mess with the herb’s chemistry.

Heads-Up: Always chat with a TCM practitioner or healthcare provider before diving in, especially if you’re on meds or managing a condition.

Q&A

What’s Lalang Grass Rhizome good for?
It cools the body, stops bleeding (like nosebleeds or coughing blood), and helps with urination issues.

Can I drink it every day?
Not quite—its chilly vibe means it’s best for short-term use when you’re feeling overheated or bleeding. Daily use might cool you too much.

How do I spot quality Bai Mao Gen?
Look for white, sweet-tasting roots—those are the good ones, per TCM standards.

Is it the same as sugarcane root?
Nope! Different plant, different vibe. Lalang Grass Rhizome is Imperata cylindrica¹¹, not sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum).

The Bottom Line

Lalang Grass Rhizome isn’t just a relic of ancient healing—it’s a bridge between TCM wisdom and modern science. Historical texts like The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica rave about its ability to “benefit qi and clear urine,” while today’s studies spotlight its hemostatic and diuretic perks.

Whether you’re tackling a nosebleed or just want to cool off, this herb offers a natural fix that’s stood the test of time.

Trusted Source

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Lalang Grass Rhizome in TCM: Benefits, Uses, and More