Tong Cao
Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K. Koch
โฏ TCM Properties
Clears Heat and Promotes Urination; Promotes Lactation; Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
Western Herbalism Properties
Botanical Description
Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K.Koch (Araliaceae), the rice-paper plant, is an evergreen shrub or small tree 1-5 m tall native to Taiwan and southern China, with stout pithy stems, large palmately 7-12-lobed leaves up to 50 cm across covered in stellate fuzz beneath, and large terminal panicles of small whitish flowers in dense globose umbels. The stems contain an abundant white cylindrical pith. For Tong Cao, two- to three-year-old stems are cut in autumn, the pith is pushed out as long white cylinders, sun-dried, and cut into segments or sheets (the source of traditional 'rice paper'). In TCM, Tong Cao is sweet and bland in flavor and slightly cold in nature, entering the Lung and Stomach channels; it promotes urination, clears damp-heat from the urinary bladder, and promotes lactation.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 9-15g | Daily | โ | โ | โ |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Tong Cao (ricepaperplant pith) is a cool, sweet, mild herb used to clear mild Heat from the Lung and Stomach through promotion of urination, and to facilitate lactation by opening the channels of the breast. It is one of the gentler herbs for urinary difficulty and mild fluid retention, appropriate for mild Heat-type urinary complaints and for insufficient milk supply in postpartum women. Its mildness makes it appropriate for those with sensitive constitutions who need a gentle approach to heat-clearing and lactation support.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.