The Efficacy and Functions of Chinese Bulrush (Ji Ji Cao)
Dec 18, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, *Achnatherum splendens* (Ji Ji Cao) has functions and effects including clearing heat and promoting urination, stopping bleeding, reducing swelling and relieving pain, clearing heat and detoxifying, and possessing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Ji Ji Cao has a bland and sweet taste with a neutral nature, and is associated with the lung and liver meridians. It can effectively clear heat and detoxify, particularly suitable for treating symptoms such as urinary tract infections, urethritis, and urinary retention. When using Ji Ji Cao, it is important to follow medical advice and avoid self-medication to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Generally speaking, Jijicao (Arundo donax) has various effects and functions including clearing heat and promoting urination, stopping bleeding, reducing swelling and relieving pain, clearing heat and detoxifying, and antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions. Details are as follows:
1. Clearing Heat and Promoting Urination
Jijicao has a sweet and bland taste with a neutral nature, acting on the lung and liver meridians. It effectively clears heat and detoxifies, especially suitable for treating urinary tract infections, urethritis, and urinary retention. Its diuretic effect helps eliminate excess fluid from the body, reduce edema, and significantly improves symptoms such as difficult urination and reduced urine output.
2. Stopping Bleeding
Jijicao demonstrates significant hemostatic effects and can be used to treat various bleeding symptoms, such as hematemesis, epistaxis, hemoptysis, melena, metrorrhagia, menorrhagia, and trauma-induced bleeding. Its flowers and seeds are particularly effective hemostatic agents and are commonly included in TCM clinical prescriptions for controlling bleeding.
3. Reducing Swelling and Relieving Pain
Jijicao can help alleviate bruises, sprains, boils, carbuncles, breast abscesses (mastitis), and painful hemorrhoids. Its mechanism of reducing swelling and relieving pain may be related to its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial pharmacological activities.
4. Clearing Heat and Detoxifying
Jijicao helps eliminate internal heat toxins and effectively relieves symptoms caused by heat toxicity, such as fever from common colds, sore throat, mouth ulcers, red and swollen eyes, dry eyes, irritability, and restlessness. Its heat-clearing and detoxifying properties aid in removing internal heat pathogens and restoring bodily balance.
5. Antibacterial and Anti-inflammatory
Jijicao has certain antibacterial properties and can inhibit the growth of multiple bacteria, providing auxiliary treatment for infection-related diseases caused by bacterial infections. This helps reduce the risk of infection and promotes overall health.
When using Jijicao, it is important to follow medical advice and avoid self-medication to ensure safety and efficacy. Additionally, due to its cold nature, individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold should use it cautiously to avoid adverse reactions.
