"The Liver is responsible for Planning"

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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Tong Cao (Rice Paper Pith, Tetrapanax)

Herb 23 of 28 in Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness

Tong Cao (Medulla Tetrapanacis Papyriferi)

Channels:
LU, ST

Properties:
Sweet, Bland, Slightly Cold

Latin Name:
Medulla Tetrapanacis Papyriferi

Tong Cao means "Unblocking Herb"

Actions

Promotes Urination and Drains Damp Heat
For painful, dribbling urination with possible burning due to damp and heat.
Promotes Lactation
For insufficient lactation.

Contraindications and Cautions

Do not use during pregnancy.
Use caution in cases with Middle Jiao Cold.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Due to the diuretic effect of this herb, care should be used when taking prescription diuretics.

Toxicity and Overdose

Possible side effects to overdose include epigastric pain, vomiting, nausea, hyperlipidemia, hypercholesterolinemia, and increased liver triglyceride synthesis.

Dosage

2-5 grams in decoction or 15-18 grams to promote lactation ¹²
2-4.5 grams in decoction ¹³

Notes

Tong Cao and Mu Tong both unblock and promote urination. Tong Cao is not as bitter as Mu Tong so its effects are less powerful and is used for mild cases of damp-heat or combined with stronger herbs for more severe cases.

Clinical Studies and Research

Structure-activity studies of some oleanane triterpenoid glycosides and their related compounds from the leaves of Tetrapanax papyriferum on anti-inflammatory activities.
Sugishita E, Amagaya S, Ogihara Y. - J Pharmacobiodyn. 1982 Jun; 5(6):379-87.
Studies on the mechanism of anti-inflammatory activities of papyriogenin A and papyriogenin C.
Amagaya S, Ogihara Y. - J Pharmacobiodyn. 1983 May;6(5):287-94.
Antihepatotoxic actions of papyriogenins and papyriosides, triterpenoids of Tetrapanax papyriferum leaves.
Hikino H, Kiso Y, Amagaya S, Ogihara Y. - J Ethnopharmacol. 1984 Nov;12(2):231-5.
Antithrombin activity of medicinal plants from central Florida.
Chistokhodova N, Nguyen C, Calvino T, Kachirskaia I, Cunningham G, Howard Miles D. - J Ethnophar macol. 2002 Jul;81(2):277-80.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

San Ren Tang (Three Nut Decoction)
Formulas that Clear Damp-Heat

References

Herbs

13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
- Dan Bensky

25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
- Fugh-Berman A.

17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
- John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen

26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
- Max Wichtl

Formulas

15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
- Dan Bensky

18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
- Him Che. Yeung

16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
- Qiao Yi

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.