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.

Functions & Benefits

Promotes Urination and Drains Damp-Heat
Used to treat 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
Individuals experiencing painful urination, scanty urine, or urinary tract discomfort
Postpartum people with blocked or insufficient milk flow
Patients with damp-heat symptoms such as swelling or a feeling of heaviness
Those with mild heat symptoms needing gentle fluid regulation

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red with yellow coating (damp-heat), or slightly dry
Pulse: Slippery or rapid (indicating heat or damp-heat), or thin (with lactation issues)

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Tong Cao

• Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao – 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

Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable during pregnancy, 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 in TCM used to 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.