Stems and woodsDampness-drainingMedulla Tetrapanacis

Tong Cao (Tetrapanax Pith)

通草 · Tong Cao

Dampness-draining herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional functions: Clears heat, promotes dampness, frees mammary; apply to dripping and pain during micturition induced by pyretic stranguria, dysuria, edema, jaundice, damp-warm disease, oliguria with reddish urine, postpartum unsmooth lactation, amenorrhea, vaginal discharge.

In-Depth Guide

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Quick Facts

Latin NameMedulla Tetrapanacis
Chinese Name & Pinyin通草 · Tong Cao
Medicinal PartStems and woods
Efficacy CategoryDampness-draining
Botanical OriginThe dried stem pith of Tetrapanax papyriferus (Hook.) K. Koch.(Araliaceae)
Nature & FlavourSweet, Bland; Slightly cold
Channels EnteredLung, Stomach

What Is Tong Cao?

Tong Cao (Tetrapanax Pith) is a medicinal herb of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei, Yunnan.

Nature & Flavour: Sweet, Bland; Slightly cold
Channels Entered: Lung, Stomach

Tong Cao: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Medulla Tetrapanacis

Botanical Origin

The dried stem pith of Tetrapanax papyriferus (Hook.) K. Koch.(Araliaceae)

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Sichuan, Guizhou, Hubei, Yunnan.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material has thick and strong strip, white color, flexible and hollow center membrane.

Macroscopic Features

Cylindrical, 20~40cm long, 1~2.5cm diameter. Externally white or pale yellow, with shallow longitudinal grooves. Light in weight, loose texture, slightly flexible, easily broken, fractured surface is flat, silver luster, center has hollow center of 0.3~1.5cm diameter or translucent membranes, cut surface has a ladder-shape arrangement, solid center is rare (only as thin and small pith sections). faint odor, bland taste.

Traditional TCM Properties

Sweet, Bland; Slightly coldLungStomach

Traditional Functions

Clears heat, promotes dampness, frees mammary; apply to dripping and pain during micturition induced by pyretic stranguria, dysuria, edema, jaundice, damp-warm disease, oliguria with reddish urine, postpartum unsmooth lactation, amenorrhea, vaginal discharge.

How Tong Cao Is Used in TCM

In the Chinese materia medica, Tong Cao is classified among the Dampness-draining herbs. It appears in 3 classical formulas in our library.

Formulas containing Tong Cao are traditionally used for:

Cold LimbsJoint DiscomfortLow Back PainFeverPoor AppetiteDamp-Heat ConstitutionChest TightnessFrequent Urination

Classical Formulas Containing Tong Cao

Herbs Commonly Combined with Tong Cao

Dang GuiGui ZhiBai ShaoXi XinDa ZaoZhi Gan CaoXing RenBai Dou KouYi Yi RenHou PoBan XiaDan Zhu Ye

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tong Cao? Are Mu Tong, Guan Mu Tong, Chuan Mu Tong, Deng Xin Cao and Xiao Tong Cao the same?
Official Tong Cao (通草) is the dried stem pith of Tetrapanax papyrifer. The pharmacopoeial name is Tetrapanacis Medulla, also called Bai Tong Cao. Mu Tong is a stem (now usually Chuan Mu Tong or Akebia): bitter-cold, clears Heart fire and promotes urination—not pith. Guan Mu Tong contains aristolochic acid and is banned—never treat it as Tong Cao. Deng Xin Cao is Juncus pith, lighter at clearing Heart fire. Xiao Tong Cao is Stachyurus or Helwingia pith, similar but weaker. Write Tong Cao; do not dispense Mu Tong or Guan Mu Tong.
What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Tong Cao?
According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Tong Cao is sweet, bland and slightly cold, enters the Lung and Stomach channels, and acts to clear heat and promote urination, and unblock qi to promote lactation. It is used for damp-heat strangury, edema with scant urine, and failure of breast milk to descend. Sweet-bland and thin in qi, its diuretic and lactation-promoting action is mild—suited to mild damp-heat and postpartum scant milk, not to dual qi-Yin vacuity without damp-heat or large doses in pregnancy.
How is the decoction piece used? Can it be drunk long-term as a “lactation herb”?
Cut thick slices into the decoction; it is light, so the weight is small. To promote lactation it is often paired with pig’s trotter or Vaccaria and pangolin scale under a practitioner. It is not a four-season diuretic tea. Dual qi-Yin vacuity and middle cold without damp only grow more vacuous when drained.
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Learn More About Tong Cao

Explore our in-depth article covering the traditional uses, properties, functions, and TCM context of Tong Cao.

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Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.

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