1. Description:
Phragmites australis (scientific name: Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud, Chinese: Lu Wei, 芦苇), a species of large perennial wetland plant in genus Phragmites (Poaceae family). Found in low-lying wetlands or shallow water all around the world, the plant can grow up to 3 meters. The shoot, root, stem, fruits and leaves of Phragmites Australis act as discutient, depurative, hemostatic and detoxicant in traditional Chinese medicine (CTM) used in treating diseases including tuberculosis, hematemesis and certain skin problems.
2. Odour, Properties And Channels:
Phragmites australis is considered to have sweet, cold and non-toxic properties and to be associated with the lung and stomach meridians.
3. Uses, Health Benefits of Phragmites Australis & Medical Formulas:
3.1 Tuberculosis
A decoction of phragmites australis roots, ophiopogon root, root-bark of Chinese wolfberry, fresh ginger and poria cocos is used treating tuberculosis.
3.2 Blood Diseases And Disorders
A decoction of phragmites australis flowers, safflower, sophora flower, white cockscomb and cymbopogon citratus flower is taken orally to treat various blood diseases and disorders.
3.3 Bleeding Stopping
Ash from burning phragmites australis stem mixed with clam powder is taken with ophiopogon root soup to treat hematemesis.
3.4 Skin Health
Powdered phragmites australis leaves is used externally to treat back boils.
3.5 Digestive System
A decoction of phragmites australis roots and couch grass rhizome is taken orally to treat abdominal bloating and nausea.
A decoction of phragmites australis roots is taken to treat the lack of appetite.
3.6 Cholera
A decoction of phragmites australis roots and ophiopogon root is taken to treat cholera (a serious disease caused by drinking contaminated water or by eating contaminated food).
3.7 Coughing
A decoction of phragmites australis stem, walnut kernel, coix seed and winter melon seeds is taken to heal lung-heat related coughing.
3.8 Food Poisoning
A decoction of phragmites australis root is taken to treat food poisoning (after eating contaminated fish or crab).
The Ben Cao Medical Book (also known as Compendium of Materia Medica or Ben Cao Gang Mu; Chinese: 本草纲目) is the most famous and comprehensive medical book ever written in the history of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Compiled and written by Li Shi-zhen (1518~1593), a medical expert of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) over 27 years.
The Ben Cao Medical Book records and describes all the plants, animals, minerals, and other objects that were believed to have medicinal properties in TCM. The book reflects the pharmaceutical achievements and developments of East Asia before the 16th century. On the basis of his predecessors’ achievements in the pharmacological studies, Li contributed further by supplementing and rectifying many past mistakes and misconception in relate to nature of many medicinal substances and causes of various illnesses. Charles Darwin, originator of the biological theory of evolution, regards the book as the “ancient Chinese encyclopedia”.
Disclaimer: The Ben Cao Medical Book is translated by ChinaAbout.net . The information on this website is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice. It is intended as a sharing of CTM knowledge and information from the research and experience from the author Li Shi-zhen. Kindly be alert that the CTM knowledge and ancient formulas given above are likely NOT medically proven and may contain misconceptions.