Witnessed by: TCM
Rice paper plant (Tetrapanax papyrifer), of the Araliaceae family. Shrub or small tree with large palmate leaves and a broad pithy stem; native range: southern China and Taiwan. Globally recognized as tong cao (通草) in Chinese, and rice paper pith, tetrapanax pith in English. The part used is dried stem pith. Very light, white, cylindrical pith, spongy and nearly weightless, bland to the taste.
In this cross-tradition database, we analyze how this substance operates across world medicine systems — tracking its traditional tastes, temperatures, tissue affinities, post-digestive effects, and planetary correspondences across Ayurveda, Unani, and Western herbalism.
RICE PAPER PLANT
IDENTITY
Name
- Common
- rice paper plant
- Scientific name
- Tetrapanax papyrifer (Hook.) K.Koch
- Family
- Araliaceae
Form
- Part used
- dried stem pith
PROPERTIES
Nature
Taste
how the plant declares itself on the tongue
- TCM
- sweet · bland
Temperature
- TCM
- cool (slightly cold)
Affinity
where in the body it travels
Organs / channels
- TCM
- Lung · Stomach
PRACTICE
Virtue
Actions
- TCM
- promotes urination, drains damp-heat, and promotes lactation
Cautions
- Contraindications
- contraindicated during pregnancy and in the absence of damp-heat
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