Pennisetum flaccidum Griseb.
Aliases：Dǎo Shēng Cǎo (Falling Grass).
Bái Cǎo Gēn is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb. It is derived from the rhizome of Pennisetum flaccidum Griseb., a plant belonging to the family Poaceae. The plant is a perennial herb with creeping rhizomes. The medicinal material appears as cylindrical pieces, sometimes branched, 30–60 cm in length and 0.2–0.4 cm in diameter. The surface is yellowish-white or pale yellow with a slight luster, marked with longitudinal wrinkles and distinct nodes. It is hard in texture, with a white pith in the center of the cross-section. It has a faint odor and a bland taste.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat, promotes diuresis, cools blood, and stops bleeding.
Indications
Heat strangury: Refers to urinary tract infection symptoms such as frequent urination, urgent urination, and painful urination, caused by damp-heat descending to the lower burner. Hematuria: Blood in the urine, mostly caused by heat damaging the blood vessels. Lung-heat cough: Cough with yellow phlegm and other symptoms caused by lung heat. Epistaxis: Nosebleed, mostly caused by blood heat rushing upward. Stomach-heat with thirst and restlessness: Refers to symptoms such as dry mouth, thirst, and restlessness caused by excessive stomach fire. Hematuria from acute nephritis: Can be used for hematuria caused by acute nephritis.
Modern Pharmacology
Currently, there are limited reports of systematic modern pharmacological research on Bái Cǎo Gēn. Its traditional applications are primarily based on its pharmacological effects of clearing heat, cooling blood, and promoting diuresis. It is speculated that it may possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, diuretic, and microcirculation-improving activities. However, the specific mechanisms of action and active components require further investigation.
Ingredients
Not clearly documented.
Usage & Dosage
For oral administration: decoct in water. The usual dosage is 15–24 g.
Contraindications
Use with caution in patients with Spleen-Stomach deficiency cold: as this herb is cold in nature, it may damage the Yang Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, leading to discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. Use with caution during pregnancy: as the medicinal property is cold and cool, and it has a diuretic effect, pregnant women should use it under the guidance of a physician.
Selected Formulas
For hematuria from acute nephritis: Take an appropriate amount of Bái Cǎo Gēn, decoct in water, and take orally. For epistaxis (nosebleed): Decoct Bái Cǎo Gēn in water and take orally.
Medicinal Parts
Dried rhizome.
Selection & Storage
Store in a ventilated, dry place, protected from moisture.
