Code: ICB
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English names: Lalang-grass, alang-alang, bedding grass.
Description: Perennial herb, 0.60-1.50m. high. Rhizome hard, coriaceous, descending deeply into the soil. Culms erect, with wiry hairs. Leaves narrow and long, prominently nerved; scabrous on the upper surface; margins sharp-edged. Inflorescence of many spikes, silver-white, densely silky.
Flowering period: Almost throughout the year.
Distribution: A common weed everywhere, especially in hilly regions.
Parts used: The rhizomes, harvested the whole year round, are washed and well dried in the sun or in an oven.
Chemical composition: The rhizomes contain glucose, fructose and organic acids.
Therapeutic uses: The rhizome, a diuretic and febrifuge, is used in the treatment of urodynia, pollakiuria, haematuria and fever. It is available in the form of a decoction for oral administration. The usual dose is 10 to 40g per day. The drug is often combined with corn silk, which enhances its diuretic action.