Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen)

Pharmaceutical Name : Rhizoma Imperatae

Botanical Name : Imperata cylindrical Beauv. var. major (Nees.) C. E. Hubb.

Common Name : Imperata rhizome, Woody grass

Source of Earliest Record : Shennong Bencao Jing

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The rhizomes are dug in spring or autumn, cleaned, dried in the sun and cut into small pieces.

Properties & Taste : Sweet and cold

Meridians : Lung, stomach and urinary bladder

Functions:
1. To cool blood and stop bleeding;
2. To clear heat and promote urination

Indications & Combinations:
1. Hemorrhages due to extravasation of blood by heat. Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen) is used with Biota tops (Cebaiye), Small thistle (Xiaoji) and Cattail pollen (Puhuang).

2. Hot urination, edema and damp-heat jaundice. Imperata rhizome (Baimaogen) is used with Plantain seed (Cheqianzi) and Lysimachia (Jinqiancao).

Dosage: 15-30 g (30-60 g, if fresh herb)