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Knowledge baseHerbs

Tong Cao通草

Medulla TetrapanacisTetrapanax

Also known asRice Paper Plant Pith

Category
Herbs that drain Dampness
Nature
slightly cold
Taste
sweet, bland
Channels entered
Lung, Stomach
Secondary channels
Bladder
Dosage
2–10 g

Usual doses

Dosage
2–10 g
To promote lactation
15–18 g
Tincture
1–3 ml

Actions & indications

Promotes urination, resolves Dampness and clears Heat
  • Damp-Warm febrile disease
  • Damp-Heat painful urinary dysfunction
  • It is usually used as an assistant
Promotes lactation
Insufficient or absent lactation

Contraindications

  • Not to be used when the Middle Jiao is Cold.
  • Use caution during pregnancy.
  • Use with caution in cases of Qi or Yin Deficiency.

Interactions

When taken together with diuretics such as chlorothiazide, hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide (Lasix), bumetanide (Bumex), or torsemide (Demadex), this herb may enhance the loss of water and electrolytes.

Combinations

Notes

  • Its processed pith serves as a handicraft material and is the source of the rice paper used in calligraphy.
  • It has both a raising and descending action: it promotes urination while also lifting Qi to the breast to encourage lactation.
  • Tong Cao and Caul. Akebiae Mu Tong both promote urination, open and unblock the channels and collaterals, cool Heat, and encourage lactation. Tong Cao is superior at leaching out Dampness but weaker at clearing Heat than Mu Tong; being bland, it lacks Mu Tong's bitterness and harshness, does not damage Yin, and suits mild Damp-Heat. Mu Tong, bitter and cold, clears and descends Heart and Small Intestine Fire, is used more often for mouth and tongue ulcers, rough painful urination, and hematuria, and is more effective at breaking up accumulated blockages.
  • Ram. Aeschynomene Indicae Geng Tong Cao promotes diuresis, addresses Lin syndrome, and encourages lactation, at a dosage of 3-6g.

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