Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome) (Cylindrical, slightly flattened, yellowish-white sheen, with longitudinal wrinkles and grooves)

Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome) (Nodes are clearly annular, with residual root and bud scars, light, tough, and flexible)

Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome) Slices (Hollow like bamboo tubes)

[Name]

Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome)

 [Source]

Ming Yi Bie Lu (Miscellaneous Records of Famous Physicians), Lower Grade

 [Frequency of Use]

C

 [Botanical Origin]

The rhizome of the grass family plant, Common Reed, Phragmites communis (L.) Trin.

 [Characteristics]

This product is a cylindrical rhizome, some are slightly flattened, of varying lengths. Larger ones are cut into small sections, about 3-5 cm long and 1-2 cm in diameter. The outer surface is yellowish-white with longitudinal wrinkles or grooves. The nodes are distinct and annular, with buds and stem scars. Each side of the node has a small round dot, which is the trace of the fibrous roots. The texture is firm and tough, not easily broken.
Processed slices are yellowish-white with a shiny surface. The nodes are harder and appear reddish-yellow. The internodes have longitudinal wrinkles. The texture is light and flexible, hollow like a bamboo tube, with a wall thickness of about 1.5 mm. It has no odor and a slightly bitter taste.

 [Identification]

The best quality is characterized by thick and strong strips, yellowish-white color, shiny surface, absence of fibrous roots, and tender texture.

 [Category]

Rhizomes