bubble_chart Source This product is the dried pith of the stem of the ricepaperplant (Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K.), a plant of the Araliaceae family. It is mainly produced in Taiwan, Guizhou, Sichuan, Guangxi, and Yunnan provinces, and is sold nationwide and exported. The processed slices are cut into equal square thin pieces, each 8-11 cm in length and width, known as "Fangtong," and are sold in major cities. Some are used for medicinal purposes, but the primary use is for handicrafts. The shredded pieces are called "Sitong" and are sold nationwide.
Ricepaperplant Pith was first recorded in the Shennong Bencao Jing, classified as a middle-grade herb. However, the Ricepaperplant Pith mentioned in the Tang Bencao and Bencao Gangmu actually refers to the stem of Akebia. Only Chen Cang-qi described: "Ricepaperplant pith grows on the side of mountains, its leaves resemble castor oil plant, its stem is hollow, containing white pith, light and white, lovely... commonly known as Ricepaperplant Pith." Additionally, the Ricepaperplant Pith described in the Tujing Bencao refers to the pith of the ricepaperplant, which matches the illustration of Ricepaperplant Pith in the Zhenglei Bencao. Moreover, Chen Jia-mo stated: "The white pith is hidden within, obtained by removing the wood, hence the name 'Tongtuo'." This refers to this product.
bubble_chart Properties and Meridians
Sweet and bland, cold. Act on lung and stomach meridians.
bubble_chart Efficacy
Promotes urination, clears heat, and stimulates lactation.
bubble_chart Indications
- Promotes urination and clears heat: Used for dampness warm disease, dysuria, and heat stranguria with pain. For example, the Three-Kernel Decoction and Skullcap and Talc Decoction for treating dampness warm disease both contain this ingredient, utilizing its mild and light diuretic properties. For treating strangury and pain, it is often used in combination with Lilac Pink Herb and Talc.
- Promotes lactation: Used for agalactia, often combined with Pangolin Scales and pig trotters to make a decoction for drinking.
bubble_chart Usage and Dosage
2-5 grams. This product is light in weight, and the dosage should not be excessive.
bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology
Contains inositol; also contains approximately 14.3% pentosan, about 3% methylpentosan, as well as arabinose, glucose, fructose, lactose, pectin, and galacturonic acid.
