2Tong Cao-Tetrapanax papyrifer pith-Tetrapanax papyrifer

Tong Cao, the pith of the rice paper plant, is a light and ascending herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to promote urination, clear heat, and support lactation. It is often prescribed for conditions involving damp-heat in the lower Jiao, such as painful urination or edema, as well as insufficient lactation due to Qi and fluid stagnation.

Fonctions et avantages

Promotes Urination and Drains Damp-Heat
Utilisé pour traiter urinary difficulty, burning urination, or edema, especially when related to damp-heat accumulation in the lower body.

Promotes Lactation by Unblocking Qi Flow
Helps in cases of insufficient breast milk, particularly when caused by stagnation of Qi and fluids after childbirth.

Clears Heat from the Lungs and Stomach
Mildly used to address heat-related irritability, thirst, and dryness, by supporting fluid movement.

Indications
Les personnes en situation de painful urination, scanty urine, or urinary tract discomfort
Postpartum people with blocked or insufficient milk flow
Les patients atteints de damp-heat symptoms such as swelling or a feeling of heaviness
Ceux qui ont mild heat symptoms needing gentle fluid regulation

Diagnostic de la langue et du pouls en MTC
Langue : Red with yellow coating (damp-heat), or slightly dry
Pouls : Slippery or rapid (indicating heat or damp-heat), or thin (with lactation issues)

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Tong Cao

• Chaleur humide dans le Jiao inférieur – Burning urination, edema, urinary discomfort

• Qi and Fluid Stagnation after Childbirth – Breast milk not flowing, breast distension

• Mild Heat in the Lungs or Stomach – Thirst, irritability, fluid deficiency

Précautions et contre-indications
Not suitable during grossesse, as it promotes fluid movement and may have downward-draining effects
Avoid in individuals with cold from deficiency or frequent urination due to weakness
Use with caution in those with Yin deficiency with dryness

Conclusion
Tong Cao is a gentle, ascending herb dans la MTC utilisée pour clear heat, promote urination, and encourage lactation. Its light nature makes it ideal for cases where fluids are obstructed or stagnant, particularly in the lower body or postpartum conditions, restoring smooth flow of Qi and fluids.