Common Reed Rhizome Cut (Phragmites Communis Trin.)

Common Reed Rhizome Cut (Phragmites communis Trin.) is the dried underground stem of the common reed plant, long valued in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for its cooling, heat-clearing, and fluid-restoring properties. Known in TCM as Lu Gen, this gentle yet effective herb has been used for centuries to alleviate thirst, ease fever, support digestion, and promote urinary health.

In traditional use, Common Reed Rhizome is described as sweet and cold, entering the Lung and Stomach channels. It is commonly prescribed to clear heat and generate fluids, especially in cases of fever, irritability, dry mouth, or excessive thirst. It also helps to alleviate nausea, vomiting, and cough associated with heat in the lungs or stomach, and is sometimes used to promote urination and relieve mild edema.

In folk and clinical herbal practice, Lu Gen is often combined with herbs like Bamboo Leaf (Dan Zhu Ye) or Lophatherum (Zhu Ye) in cooling and detoxifying formulas for respiratory infections, sore throat, and heat-related illnesses.

Modern studies have identified polysaccharides, flavonoids, amino acids, and organic acids in Phragmites communis, which exhibit anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, and antioxidant properties. These active compounds support the herb’s traditional use in clearing heat, soothing irritation, and supporting hydration during fever or internal dryness.

Each batch of Common Reed Rhizome Cut (Phragmites communis Trin.) is carefully harvested, sliced, and dried to preserve its pale color, mild sweetness, and bioactive compounds. When decocted, it produces a light, slightly sweet, cooling infusion used in heat-clearing, lung-soothing, and fluid-generating formulas.