Evidence supporting the use of: Phragmites
For the body system: Bladder
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Phragmites australis (commonly known as common reed) has a history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in East Asian herbal systems such as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In TCM, the rhizome of Phragmites (known as Lu Gen) is used to "clear heat" and promote urination, and it is sometimes included in formulas aimed at supporting bladder health or addressing urinary tract issues such as painful or difficult urination. The herb is thought to have properties that help to cool and moisten the body, reduce fever, and relieve irritations of the urinary tract, often as a mild diuretic.
However, scientific validation for these traditional uses is limited. While some in vitro and animal studies have explored the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and diuretic effects of Phragmites extracts, there is little direct clinical evidence demonstrating significant benefits for bladder health or urinary tract function in humans. The traditional use forms the primary basis for its inclusion in bladder-supporting herbal formulations, rather than robust empirical data. Therefore, while Phragmites is indeed used for this purpose in traditional systems, the overall strength of evidence supporting its efficacy for the bladder body system remains modest and largely anecdotal.
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lophatherum leaf
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methenamine
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plantain
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punarnava
goldenrod
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juniper berries
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cornsilk
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birch
couch grass
queen of the meadow
guelder rose
hydrangea
coix
polyporus
cleavers
shepherd's purse
wood betony
white oak
herbal blend (proprietary)
gravel root
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Arbutin
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Alchornea
Alchemilla
Aletris
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Anserina
Aerva lanata
Agrimonia pilosa
Alisma
Abuta
Baliospermum
bergenin
Blepharis
Balsam
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Brazillian peppertree
Bael
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Black Poplar
Bombax
Borassus aethiopum
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Bottle gourd
Carrapicho
Cucurbita
Cnidium
Cornflower
Common Thatching grass
Chanca Piedra
Coconut Water
Cedar
Corktree
Cubeb
Cranesbill
Crinum latifolium
Costus
Dianthus
Didymocarpus
DL-Methionine
Dwarf Nettle
Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
Erigeron
Euryale seed
Echinodorus
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Fringetree
Fleabane
Fringed Pink
Fireweed
Goldthread
Gnaphalium
Giant Blazingstar
Glechoma hederacea
Glycosaminoglycans
Golden Ragwort
Golden Shower Tree
Guazuma ulmifolia
Mallow
Other body systems supported by Phragmites
BladderDigestive System
Gastrointestinal Tract
Intestinal System
Kidneys
Large Intestines (Colon)
Liver
Lungs
Respiratory System
Spleen
Stomach
Urinary System