Basic Chinese Chicken Soup Stock (Soup Base)

Ingredient Name:  Rhizoma Imperatae, Mao Gen or Cogon Grass

Traditional Chinese Name: 茅根 (mao gen)

What is this?

• A rhizoma (or underground stem) that has roots and shoots underground
• These are long, thin stems that are beige in colour and can be found fresh or dried
• They are slightly sweet in taste and are said to be a “cooling” food

How do I prepare it?

• Wash thoroughly before use

Where can I buy this?

It is also available in Hong Kong wet marts (fresh)
You can purchase this in most Asian supermarkets (most likely prepackaged with sugar canes)

What is the cost?

• The imperatae is very affordable with a bunch (about 10-15 stalks) at $5 HKD

Any benefits?

• Clears away heatiness in the body, lungs and stomach
• Helps in cooling the blood and internal organs
• Aids in urination

Resources

•  http://www.tcmbasics.com/materiamedica/rhizoma_imperatae.htm