Common Name: |
Common Reed |
Other Names: |
Carrizo, wild broomcorn |
Botanical Name: |
Phragmites australis syn. P. communis |
Genus: |
Phragmites |
Family: |
Poaceae |
Location: |
Temperate and tropical regions worldwide. |
Cultivation: |
Deep moist to wet soil or shallow water in sun. Invasive. |
Propagation: |
By division from early spring to early summer. |
Harvest: |
Rhizomes are lifted in autumn and juiced, or dried for use in decoctions. |
Height: |
3.5m (11ft) |
Width: |
Indefinite |
Variations: |
Variegatus Has yellow-striped leaves and is less invasive. |
Hardiness: |
Z4-10 |
Parts Used: |
Rhizomes, (lu gen). |
Properties: |
A sweet, cooling, sedative herb that is diuretic, controls coughing and vomiting, relieves pain, and lowers fever. |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for fever, vomiting, coughs with thick, dark phlegm, lung abscesses, urinary tract infections, and food poisoning (especially from seafood). Externally, combined with gypsum, for halitosis and toothache. |
Culinary Uses: |
Young shoots and leaves are eaten as potherbs. Starchy rhizomes are cooked as a vegetable. Sugary gum in stems is used to make sweets. |
Bibliography: |
Encylopedia of Herbs by Deni Brown Copyright ©: 1995, 2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg 312
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