Zhu Ru, also known as Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam or Bamboo Shavings, is a sweet, slightly cold herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to clear heat, transform phlegm, stop vomiting, and calm irritability. It is particularly effective for phlegm-heat in the Lung, Stomach, and Gallbladder, as well as for conditions involving nausea, restlessness, or mental agitation. Zhu Ru is valued for its ability to cool and regulate internal heat while gently resolving phlegm.
Functions & Benefits
Clears Heat & Transforms Phlegm
Zhu Ru is used to treat cough with thick yellow sputum, chest congestion, and a sensation of fullness in the chest caused by phlegm-heat in the Lung. It helps thin and expel phlegm while addressing the underlying heat component, making it suitable for both acute and lingering respiratory issues.
Stops Nausea & Vomiting
This herb is commonly used for nausea, hiccups, and vomiting due to heat in the Stomach. It can also be used in pregnancy-related morning sickness when combined with appropriate herbs. Zhu Ru is especially effective when nausea is accompanied by a feeling of heat or restlessness.
Calms the Spirit & Alleviates Irritability
Zhu Ru clears Gallbladder and Stomach heat that may rise to disturb the Heart and Shen. It is useful in treating insomnia, irritability, palpitations, or mental confusion due to phlegm-heat or internal constraint. It gently cools heat while settling agitation.
Cools the Blood in Febrile Disorders
In warm disease patterns or febrile conditions with phlegm and restlessness, Zhu Ru may be used to relieve fever-induced nausea, anxiety, and sleep disturbance. It is often paired with herbs that support Yin and clear heat from the upper burner.
Indications
Cough with thick yellow sputum or Lung phlegm-heat
Nausea, vomiting, or hiccups from Stomach heat or rebellious Qi
Morning sickness with heat and irritability
Insomnia or mental restlessness due to Gallbladder and Stomach heat
Phlegm-heat obstructing the chest, diaphragm, or Shen
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red with a greasy yellow coating
Pulse: Slippery and rapid, or wiry if emotional constraint is present
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Zhu Ru
Zhu Ru treats Phlegm-Heat in the Lung and Stomach, Rebellious Stomach Qi, Gallbladder Heat Disturbing the Shen, and Heat-Induced Nausea or Agitation. These patterns present with cough, vomiting, restlessness, and thick phlegm.
Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable for cold-type vomiting or cough with clear sputum
Avoid in Spleen Deficiency with loose stools or cold-damp
Use cautiously in patients with cold constitutions or weak digestion
Should not be used in the absence of heat or phlegm symptoms
Conclusion
Zhu Ru is a versatile herb that clears heat, resolves phlegm, and settles rebellious Qi, making it useful for a variety of disorders involving cough, nausea, and irritability. Its ability to treat both physical and emotional symptoms caused by heat and phlegm makes it ideal for use in respiratory, gastrointestinal, and Shen disturbance patterns. It is especially valued for gentle yet effective relief of nausea and emotional unrest.
