Stem Grass, also known as White Stem Grass, Wild Grass, Water Grass, is a plant stem in the wood part of the stem of Aeschynomene indica L., a leguminous plant. The whole plant is harvested in September to October, the roots, branches, and top of the stem are removed, the bark is peeled off, and the wood part is dried in the sun.
[Processing method] Take the original medicinal material, remove impurities, residual roots, and ash debris, rinse with water, soak until moist, cut into thick slices or segments, and dry.
[Appearance of prepared slices] It is cylindrical, short segmented or sliced, with a milky white surface, smooth, with fine longitudinal lines, and with pores and branch marks. The cut surface is whitish, uneven, faint concentric rings can be seen, and there are small holes in the center. It is light and crisp, and easily breaks. It has a slight aroma and a mild taste.
[Processing function] Stem Grass has a mild and slightly bitter taste, and is cool in nature. It has the functions of clearing heat, diuresis, promoting lactation, and improving night vision. This herb is mostly used fresh or in its raw form, and is used for hot dysuria, urinary retention, edema, poor milk flow, and night blindness. For example, fresh Aeschynomene indica and fresh Plantago asiatica are decocted with water to treat hematuria. Processing makes the medicinal material clean, facilitating dispensing and the dissolution of active ingredients.
