Rice Paper Pith (Tong Cao)

通草

Ricepaper pith (Tongcao)

Pharmaceutical Name: Medulla tetrapanacis

Botanical Name: Tetrapanax papyriferus (Hook.) K. Koch

Common Name: Ricepaper pith

Source of Earliest Record: Bencao Shiyi

Part Used: The stems are gathered in autumn, cut into pieces and the bark is removed. The stems are dried in the sun and cut into thin slices.

Natural Properties & Taste: Sweet or no taste and slightly cold

Meridians: Lung and stomach

Therapeutic Effects:
1. To clear heat and promote water metabolism.

2. To promote lactation.

Indications:
1. Damp-heat in the urinary bladder manifested as dysuria, painful urination, frequent urination and urgency of micturition. Ricepaper pith (Tongcao) is used with herbs that transform damp and clear heat, such as Talc (Huashi) and Plantain seed (Cheqianzi).

2. Insufficient lactation. Ricepaper pith (Tongcao) is used with Vaccaria seed (Wangbuliuxing) and Pangolin scales (Chuanshanjia), or Ricepaper pith (Tongcao) is cooked with pig’s feet.

Dosage: 2-5 g

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb should be used with caution during pregnancy.