Source Lophatherum herb is the dried stem or leaf of Lophatherum gracile Brongn. (Fam. Gramineae).
Producing Areas Zhejiang, Jiangsu, Hunan, Fujian, Guangdong, Sichuan and Yunnan.
Properties Sweet, Bland, Cold
Channels Heart, Small Intestines, Stomach
Action
- Clears heat, calms the spirit, and relieves thirst
For heat conditions with irritability. Also used for stomach heat causing thirst, and for heat in the heart and stomach channels causing mouth sores and swollen gums. - Clears damp-heat and promotes urination
For acute, scanty, and painful urination. Also used for heat in the small intestine channel giving rise to dysuria, irritability, and a dark red tip on the tongue.
Usage and Dosage
6 – 10g is decocted for oral use.
Notes Contraindicated for pregnant women and the patient with hyperactive fire due to yin-deficiency and hectic fever.
Storage
Keep in a dry place. Protect from moths.
The good Danzhuye is long and large in size, green in colour, with many leaves.
Professional Advice
Identifying Danzhuye and Zhuye:
Danzhuye and Zhuye are from different species of plant. Zhuye is the leaf of Danzhu, but Danzhuye is not the leaf of Danzhu.
Similarities
Both of them can relieve vexation and promote diuresis.
Differences
Zhuye is effective in clearing away heart-fire.
Danzhuye is effective in promoting diuresis and drying the dampness.
In pre-Ming Dynasty prescriptions, Danzhuye was referred to as Zhuye.
