[Variety Source]
This product is the dried stem pith of Araliaceae plant ricepaperplant pith (Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K.). Mainly produced in Taiwan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Guangxi, Yunnan and other provinces, it is sold nationwide and exported. It is processed and sliced into square slices with lengths and widths of 8 to 11 cm each, called square sheets, which are sold in major cities. Some are used for medicinal purposes, but mainly for handicrafts. The cut silk is called silk thread and is sold throughout the country.
Ricepaperplant Pith was first published in Shennong Bencao Jing and was listed as a medium-quality product. However, the Ricepaperplant Pith described in Tang Bencao and Bencao Gangmu is actually Akebia Stem of the family Akebia Stem. Only Chen Cang-qi recorded: "Ricepaperplant Pith grows on the side of the mountain. Its leaves are like castor. Its stem is hollow with white flesh in the center. It is light and lovely...the common name is Ricepaperplant Pith." and Tujing Bencao is the pith of the ricepaperplant pith, which is consistent with the picture of the ricepaperplant pith on Zhenglei Bencao. Also, Chen Jia-mo said: "The white flesh is hidden in the middle, and it is obtained by removing the wood, so it is named Tongtuo." This refers to this product.
[Property]
sweet and bland, cold. act on lung and stomach channels.
[Efficacy]
Disinfecting water, clearing away heat and clearing milk.
[Indications]
- Diuretic and heat-clearing: used for dampness warm disease, dysuria and heat stranguria pain. For example, Three-Kernel Decoction and Skullcap and Talc Decoction, which treat dampness warm disease, all have this product. Choose its light and light penetration. For the treatment of stranguria, it is often used equivalently with Lilac Pink Herb and Talc.
- Tongru: used for agalactia, often mixed with Pangolin Scales, Pig's Trotters and other decoctions.
[Usage and Dosage]
2 to 5 grams. This product is light in quality and the dosage should not be too large.
[Modern Pharmacology]
Contains inositol; and contains about 14.3% polypentose, about 3% polymethylpentose, and arabinose, glucose, fructose, lactose, pectin, and galacturonic acid.