Source Rice Paper Pith is the dried stem pith of Tetrapanax papyriferus (Hook.) K. Koch (Fam. Araliaceae)
Producing Areas Fujian, Taiwan, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hunan, Hubei and Yunnan, etc.
Properties Sweet, Neutral, Slightly Cold
Channels Lung, Stomach
ACTION
- Removes heat and promotes diuresis
Dysuria with painful urination, edema and oligura - Relieves fever caused by heat-dampness in the interior
- Stimulates the flow of milk
Improves lactation in nursing mothers.
Usage and Dosage
2–5 g is used in decoction for oral use.
Storage
Keep in a dry place.
Note
Use with caution in pregnant women and the person with deficiency of the qi and blood, or without heat-dampness syndrome.
Description of Quality Herb
The good one is thick, white, hollow in the core and elastic.
Professional Tips
Fangtong is longitudinally-sliced square-shaped Tongcao, about 0.5 mm thick, 9–10 cm long in each side, white and also used in traditional craftwork.
Sitong is shredded Tongcao, and varies in length. It refers to the remains of sliced Tongcao.
Tong caosi is a kind of commonly-used Tongcao, the pith of Ximashan Jinjiehua (tachyurus himalaicus Hook. f. et Thoms), Zhongguo Jinjiehua [Stachyurus chinensis Franch.), or Qingjiaye {Helwingia japónica.) and the plants from the same family.
It is like a slender cylinder, 30–50 cm long,0.5-0.9 cm in diameter, externally white or pale yellow with a solid core.