Imperatae Rhizoma, commonly known as Lalang Grass Rhizome or Cogon Grass Root (Imperata cylindrica), is a traditional herbal remedy highly valued in Asian medicine for its cooling, detoxifying, and diuretic effects. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is renowned for its ability to clear heat, cool the blood, stop bleeding, and promote urination, making it particularly effective for urinary heat syndromes such as painful urination, urinary tract infections, hematuria, and edema. Its strong hemostatic and blood-cooling properties also support conditions like nosebleeds, hematemesis, hemoptysis, and excessive menstrual bleeding caused by heat in the blood.
With a naturally sweet flavor and cold nature, Imperatae Rhizoma helps ease nausea, reduce gastric heat, and relieve vomiting, especially when triggered by alcohol or stomach fire. It is traditionally used to relieve thirst, lower fever, cool the stomach, and drain damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder, making it beneficial for jaundice, swelling, or heat-related disorders.
Modern studies reveal that the rhizome contains valuable compounds such as triterpenoids, flavonoids, saponins, vitamins, and essential minerals, providing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and kidney-protective benefits. These findings support its longstanding use for detoxification, urinary health, and liver support.
With its combined traditional wisdom and scientifically supported bioactivity, Imperatae Rhizoma remains a versatile and reliable herbal medicine for individuals seeking natural heat-clearing, detoxifying, and diuretic therapies to enhance overall well-being.
HERBAL NAME: Bai Mao Gen (Rhizoma Imperatae) - Lalang Grass Rhizome
COMMON ENGLISH NAME: Lalang Grass Rhizome
SCIENTIFIC NAME (PHARMACOPOEIAL NAME): Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. (Imperatae Rhizoma)
Note: In some regions, Imperata arundinacea Cyrill is used as a substitute and is also referred to as Bai Mao Gen.
FAMILY: Poaceae (Grass family)
USED PART: Entire plant, though the rhizome is most commonly used medicinally.
STORAGE: Dry thoroughly, sort by size, tie into bundles. Hygroscopic—store in a dry, well-ventilated place.
PROPERTIES & FLAVOR (TCM): Sweet, Cold (The flowers are sweet and warm)
CHANNEL TROPISM:
Enters the Heart, Spleen, Lung, Stomach, and Small Intestine channels.
THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS & CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
1. Urinary–Reproductive System
Promotes urination, clears Damp-Heat from the Bladder
Treats acute nephritis and Heat-toxin affecting the kidneys
Reduces edema from Damp-Heat accumulation
Clears Heat and resolves toxins from the urinary passage
Gonorrheal Heat syndrome / urethral discharge
Modern findings
2. Circulatory System
Cools the blood, stops bleeding, dispels blood stasis
Gynecology
Modern research
3. Respiratory System
Clears Lung-Heat, stops coughing, relieves dyspnea
Hemoptysis from Lung-Heat
Pertussis and Heat-induced cough
Thirst and fluid depletion due to Lung-Stomach Heat
4. Digestive System – Liver & Gallbladder
Clears Stomach Heat, stops vomiting, descends rebellious Qi
Alcohol intoxication & alcohol Heat-toxin
Tonifies middle burner, boosts Qi, strengthens Spleen
Antimicrobial effects on gut pathogens
Classical detoxification effects
Liver & Gallbladder
Modern research
5. Metabolism, Endocrine & Immune System
Tonifies Qi, improves fatigue, strengthens constitution
Treats wasting-thirst (Xiaoke)
Clears Summer-Heat, generates fluids
Enhances immunity & antioxidant function
Regulates blood pressure and metabolism
6. Muscles – Tendons – Bones
CHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
10–40 g/day; fresh herb uses double the amount.
In high-dose situations, 250–500 g may be used.
Fresh herb may be pounded to extract juice.
Charred form (Bai Mao Gen Tan) is used specifically for hemostasis.
CONTRAINDICATIONS & PRECAUTIONS
Beyond its therapeutic value, Cogongrass/ Lalang Grass Rhizome (Imperata cylindrica (L.) Raeusch.), the source of Bai Mao Gen, has distinctive ecological characteristics related to vegetation recovery, regeneration, and invasion risks:
Cogongrass provides medicinal value and potential soil protection benefits in disturbed environments. However, its vigorous regeneration and invasive potential require careful management to protect biodiversity and minimize fire risks.
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