Cogongrass Rhizome Chinese Herb

Cogongrass Rhizome (Bai Mao Gen): A Cooling, Sweet Herb for Clearing Heat, Cooling Blood, and Promoting Urination

Introduction

Cogongrass Rhizome, known as Bai Mao Gen (白茅根) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is the dried rhizome of Imperata cylindrica. Sweet and cold in nature, it is traditionally used to clear Heat, cool the Blood, stop bleeding, and promote urination, especially in conditions involving Heat-related bleeding or urinary difficulty.

What Is Cogongrass Rhizome (Bai Mao Gen)?

Bai Mao Gen is the dried underground stem of the cogongrass plant. It primarily enters the Lung, Stomach, and Bladder meridians. Its main actions focus on clearing Heat from the Blood level, stopping bleeding, promoting urination, and relieving thirst caused by Heat.

Health Benefits of Cogongrass Rhizome (Bai Mao Gen)

Clears Heat and Cools the Blood
Traditionally used for Heat conditions affecting the Blood, including nosebleeds, coughing up blood, blood in urine, or excessive Heat-related bleeding.

Stops Bleeding Without Causing Stagnation
Helps control bleeding while gently clearing Heat, making it suitable for bleeding caused by excess Heat rather than deficiency.

Promotes Urination and Relieves Urinary Difficulty
Supports fluid movement and is commonly used for painful or difficult urination, urinary tract Heat, or dark, scanty urine.

Relieves Thirst and Supports Fluid Generation
Used for thirst and irritability due to Stomach Heat or febrile conditions damaging body fluids.

Clears Lung and Stomach Heat
Beneficial for coughing due to Lung Heat or vomiting caused by excessive Stomach Heat.

How to Use Cogongrass Rhizome (Bai Mao Gen)

As a Herbal Decoction
Simmered with other Heat-clearing or hemostatic herbs to cool the Blood and promote urination.

In Medicinal Teas or Light Soups
Often prepared as a simple decoction or combined with other mild herbs for Heat-clearing support.

In Combination Formulas
Frequently paired with herbs such as Rehmannia root, lotus root, or Plantago seed depending on the pattern.

Moderate Use
Cold in nature; dosage and combinations should be adjusted for individuals with weak digestion or Yang deficiency.

Where to Buy Cogongrass Rhizome (Bai Mao Gen)

You can find Cogongrass Rhizome at:

• Traditional Chinese medicine shops
• Asian herbal markets
• Online TCM herb retailers

Look for:

• Clean, fibrous rhizome pieces
• Light yellow to off-white color
• Mild, neutral scent
• No mold or excessive moisture

Are There Any Side Effects?

Bai Mao Gen is generally safe when used appropriately. Due to its cold nature, excessive or prolonged use may weaken the Spleen and digestion. It should be used cautiously in individuals with cold constitutions, loose stools, or Yang deficiency unless guided by a qualified practitioner.

Conclusion

Cogongrass Rhizome (Bai Mao Gen) is a cooling, Blood-level TCM herb valued for clearing Heat, stopping bleeding, promoting urination, and relieving Heat-related thirst and irritation.

FAQs

Is Cogongrass Rhizome toxic?
No, Bai Mao Gen is not toxic when properly identified and used at appropriate dosages.

Can Cogongrass Rhizome be used daily?
It is typically used short-term or within formulas rather than as a long-term daily herb.

Is Cogongrass Rhizome cooling or warming?
It is cooling and sweet, making it best suited for Heat and excess conditions rather than Cold-deficiency patterns.