The efficacy and function of Imperata sphaerocarpa

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Imperata scabra has great medicinal value and can treat many diseases. Let’s take a closer look at it below.

[Other names] Damiang (Lingnan Science), Bami (Jiangxi Herbal Handbook).

[Source] It is the root of the Poaceae plant Imperata sphaerocephala . Harvested in summer and autumn.

[Original form] Perennial herb, 2 to 4 meters tall or higher. The rhizome is thick and scaly. Culms erect, glabrous, with many nodes, each node having long hairs. Leaves are alternate; linear-lanceolate, 60-150 cm long, 2-2.5 cm wide, glabrous except for the densely pubescent base above, with small spiny rough edges; leaf sheaths are glabrous or hairy, the lower ones are longer than the internodes, and the upper ones are shorter than the internodes; ligule is 1-2 mm long, truncated at the tip, and has small cilia. The panicle is terminal, large, 30-60 cm long, with glabrous main axis and 3-6 mm long internodes of spike axis with long cilia; the sessile spikelets are lanceolate, with short hairs at the base; the first glume is membranous and acuminate at the apex, with long hairs on the back; the second glume is boat-shaped, with acuminate at the apex and the same membranous margin with small cilia: the first lemma is lanceolate, slightly shorter than the lemma, the second lemma is lanceolate, 1/4 shorter than the lemma, with a pointed apex; the palea is oblong, about half the length of the lemma; there are 3 stamens; the style is long and feathery. Caryopsis free. Flowering and fruiting period is from May to October.

[Habitat distribution] Growing on hillsides, riverside grasslands and near villages. Distributed in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Henan, Hunan, Hubei, Sichuan, Jiangxi, Guangdong, Yunnan and other places.

【Nature and flavor】 Sweet, light.

【Functions and indications】Open the orifices and promote diuresis, promote blood circulation and dredge the menstruation. It is used to treat injuries from falls, pain in the tendons and bones, amenorrhea in women, and edema.

[Usage and Dosage] For oral use: decoct in water, 0.5 to 2 liang.

[Additional prescription] For treating late menstruation: 1 liang of Imperata root, 3 qian of Rubia cordifolia, 2 qian of Chimonanthus orchioides, 5 qian of Cibotium barometz root, 1 liang of Elaeagnus chinensis root. Decoction in water, add sugar and wine and drink. (The properties and flavors below are from Jiangxi's "Handbook of Herbal Medicines")

【Excerpt】 《*Dictionary》

[Source] From Cui Yuxi's "Food Classics"

Through the above, we have learned about the effects and functions of the traditional Chinese medicine Imperata sphaerocephala. I hope everyone can find the right medicine for their condition and consume Imperata sphaerocephala correctly in life.