Imperata Root Chinese Herb

Imperata Root (Bai Mao Gen): A Sweet Herb for Cooling Blood, Stopping Bleeding, and Clearing Heat

Introduction

Imperata root, known as Bai Mao Gen (白茅根) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is sweet and cold. It is valued for cooling the blood, stopping bleeding, and clearing heat from the Stomach and Lungs. Bai Mao Gen is especially used for nosebleeds, blood in the urine, vomiting blood, and heat-related urinary problems. Its cooling yet gentle nature makes it an important herb for bleeding disorders caused by heat.

What Is Imperata Root?

Bai Mao Gen comes from the rhizome of Imperata cylindrica, a hardy perennial grass widely found in fields and riverbanks. In TCM, it is classified as sweet and cold, entering the Lung, Stomach, Bladder, and Small Intestine meridians. Its cooling and dispersing qualities allow it to stop bleeding, promote urination, and relieve heat conditions.

Health Benefits of Imperata Root

Cools blood and stops bleeding – Effective for nosebleeds, blood in vomit, stool, or urine.

Promotes urination – Relieves painful urinary dribbling, edema, and hot, scanty urine.

Clears heat from Stomach and Lungs – Used for nausea, thirst, cough, and wheezing from heat.

Relieves jaundice – Helps with damp-heat jaundice in the Liver and Gallbladder.

How to Use Imperata Root

Decoction – Commonly boiled to stop bleeding and clear heat.

Powder – Used for mild bleeding disorders.

Fresh juice – Expressed from the rhizome to treat severe heat and bleeding cases.

Where to Buy Imperata Root

TCM shops – Available as dried rhizome slices.

Herbal suppliers – Sold online in bulk or powdered form.

Look for: pale, fibrous dried root with a slightly sweet taste.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Bai Mao Gen is generally safe and mild but should be used with caution in cases of cold from deficiency, as its cooling nature may aggravate cold symptoms. Excessive use may also lead to digestive weakness.

Conclusion

Imperata root (Bai Mao Gen) is a sweet, cooling herb that clears heat, cools the blood, and stops bleeding. With its dual action of cooling and promoting urination, it is indispensable in treating heat-related bleeding, urinary problems, and damp-heat conditions.

FAQ

Can it stop nosebleeds? – Yes, it is effective for heat-related nosebleeds.

Does it help with urinary issues? – Yes, it promotes urination and relieves painful dribbling.

Is it gentle enough for long-term use? – It is mild but best used short-term, especially in acute bleeding or heat conditions.