Lú Gēn (芦根) — Reed rhizome / Common reed root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Lú Gēn (芦根) — Phragmites communis (rhizome) — is known in English as Reed rhizome / Common reed root. It belongs to the category of Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and tailored prescriptions.
I prescribe Lú Gēn as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Lú Gēn |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 芦根 |
| Latin name | Phragmites communis (rhizome) |
| English name | Reed rhizome / Common reed root |
| Nature | cold |
| Flavour | sweet |
| Channels entered | Lung, Stomach |
| Category | Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and generates Body Fluids — for high fever with thirst
- Clears Stomach Heat and stops vomiting
- Clears Lung Heat and expels Phlegm
- Promotes urination and treats urinary disorders from Heat
Indications
- High fever with thirst and irritability from Heat damaging Body Fluids
- Nausea and vomiting from Stomach Heat
- Cough with thick yellow sputum from Lung Heat
- Lung abscess with pus
- Urinary tract infections with urgency and burning
4. Key formulas containing Lú Gēn
Lú Gēn is frequently used as a single-herb treatment or incorporated into individualised prescriptions tailored to the patient’s specific TCM pattern.
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Phragmites communis (Lu Gen) is a gentle but effective Heat-clearing herb widely used in fever management and respiratory infections. Key bioactive constituents include coixol, asparagine, polysaccharides, proteins and vitamins (particularly vitamin B1). Research confirms anti-inflammatory effects, antipyretic activity, antiemetic properties and mild diuretic effects. Lu Gen polysaccharides have immunomodulatory and anti-tumour properties. Combined with Bai Mao Gen it forms a classical pair for urinary heat conditions. As a widely available food plant (the young shoots are eaten as a vegetable in East Asia), Lu Gen has an excellent safety profile.
6. Cautions and contraindications
Avoid in Cold and deficiency patterns. Avoid in patients with urinary difficulty from Kidney Yang deficiency. Generally very safe — often used in large doses.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.
7. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Lú Gēn as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Urinary tract infections, Long COVID. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
