Natural Herb Library

Rice Paper Plant Pith

Chinese
通草
Pinyin
Tong Cao
Latin
Medulla Tetrapanacis
Botanical illustration of Pith of Ricepaperplant, Tetrapanax papyrifer, showing extracted Tong Cao pith, stem cross-sections, and diagnostic source details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Tong Cao (通草), this sweet and bland, slightly cold herb enters the Lung and Stomach. Traditionally, it promotes urination and leaches dampness for scanty urine, mild damp-heat, and early edema patterns, most often applied for insufficient lactation, edema, and urinary tract infection. Modern research has identified Water-soluble among its active constituents.

Part used: Pith

Also Known As

Tetrapanax pith Pith of rice paper plant

Latin: Medulla Tetrapanacis | Pinyin: Tong Cao | Chinese: 通草

TCM Properties

Taste
sweet, bland
Temperature
slightly cold
Channels
Lung, Stomach

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Promotes urination and leaches dampness for scanty urine, mild damp-heat, and early edema patterns.
  • Clears heat and unblocks the channels of breast milk, making it a classic herb for insufficient lactation after childbirth.
  • Opens the network pathways gently when heat and obstruction combine, which is why it also appears in formulas for breast distension or milk blockage.

Secondary Actions

  • IDENTITY NOTE: Tong Cao is Medulla Tetrapanacis, not Mu Tong. The similar names are a recurrent source of confusion in English-language herb work.
  • It is mild and porous in character, so it tends to drain and open rather than strongly purge.

Classical References

  • Traditional materia medica describes Tong Cao as sweet, bland, and slightly cold, entering the Lung and Stomach.
  • Its signature uses are promoting urination and facilitating lactation.

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Water-soluble Medulla Tetrapanacis extract fractions
  • Botanical-origin marker traits used to distinguish commercial Tong Cao
  • Traditional galactagogue-associated plant constituents

Studied Effects

  • A 2024 study reported that Medulla Tetrapanacis water extract alleviated inflammation and infection by regulating macrophage polarization through MAPK signaling, supporting modern anti-inflammatory interest in Tong Cao (PMID 37429999).
  • An ethnobotanical survey of natural galactagogues prescribed in Taiwanese TCM pharmacies included Tong Cao, reinforcing its continued real-world role in lactation support (PMID 33679390).
  • Botanical-origin research examined commercial Tong Cao materials and helped distinguish the true Medulla Tetrapanacis source from substitutes or confused market names (PMID 11038909).

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Profuse urination or dryness from fluid deficiency without damp-heat

Cautions

  • Tong Cao is often confused with other similarly named medicinals, so correct sourcing matters.
  • Persistent urinary symptoms, fever, or lactation problems need clinical evaluation.

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Rice Paper Plant Pith used for?

Rice Paper Plant Pith is traditionally used to Promotes urination and leaches dampness for scanty urine, mild damp-heat, and early edema patterns., Clears heat and unblocks the channels of breast milk, making it a classic herb for insufficient lactation after childbirth., Opens the network pathways gently when heat and obstruction combine, which is why it also appears in formulas for breast distension or milk blockage.. Research has investigated its effects on: A 2024 study reported that Medulla Tetrapanacis water extract alleviated inflammation and infection by regulating macrophage polarization through MAPK signaling, supporting modern anti-inflammatory interest in Tong Cao (PMID 37429999).; An ethnobotanical survey of natural galactagogues prescribed in Taiwanese TCM pharmacies included Tong Cao, reinforcing its continued real-world role in lactation support (PMID 33679390)..

What are other names for Rice Paper Plant Pith?

Rice Paper Plant Pith is also known as Tetrapanax pith, Pith of rice paper plant. In TCM: 通草 (Tong Cao); Medulla Tetrapanacis.

Is Rice Paper Plant Pith safe during pregnancy?

The safety of Rice Paper Plant Pith during pregnancy has not been established. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What are the contraindications for Rice Paper Plant Pith?

Rice Paper Plant Pith should not be used in: Profuse urination or dryness from fluid deficiency without damp-heat. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.