Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome), Rhizoma Phragmitis Communis

"The Heart stores the Shen (Houses the Mind)"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Herb 6 of 14 in Herbs that Drain Fire

Channels:

LU, ST

Properties:

Sweet, Cold

Latin:

Rhizoma Phragmitis Communis

Chinese:

芦根

Tone Marks:

lú gēn

Actions

Clears Heat and Promotes Fluids
For high fever, irritability and thirst.
Clears Lung Heat
Especially useful in acute stages with thick, yellow sputum.
Clears Stomach Heat
For vomiting and belching.
Promotes Urination
For dark and scanty urine (from heat), especially if symptoms include thirst and irritability.
Vents Rashes
Encourages the expression of rashes during a febrile condition.

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use in symptoms of cold from deficiency of the spleen and stomach.

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Dosage

15-30 grams, up to 60 grams if used alone for incomplete expression of rashes. Used fresh this herb has a stronger effect.
Part used: rhizome.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Lian Po Yin (Coptis and Magnolia Bark Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Damp-Heat
Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction)
Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat
Wei Jing Tang (Reed Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs
Yin Qiao Ma Bo San (Honeysuckle, Forsythia, and Puffball Powder)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs
Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder)
Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) - Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article) - Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition) - Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition) - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition) - Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition) - Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition) - Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition) - Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.