Tongcao Rice Paper Pith 500g Dried Tetrapanax Papyrifer Stem Pith for Herbal Decoctions and Culinary Use

Tongcao (通草), the dried stem pith of Tetrapanax papyrifer, is a light, white, cylindrical botanical long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. In TCM theory it is considered sweet and bland in flavor with a slightly cold nature, traditionally associated with the lung and stomach channels. Sold as dried decoction pieces for culinary and herbal preparation, it is commonly simmered in soups or decoctions. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Key Selling Points

• Authentic Tongcao (通草) dried stem pith, a classic item in the Chinese herbal pantry
• Botanical source Tetrapanax papyrifer, prepared as clean white pith pieces
• In TCM theory sweet, bland, and slightly cold, traditionally linked to lung and stomach channels
• Light, porous texture that softens readily during simmering or decoction
• 500g pack suited to home decoction, soup making, and culinary experimentation

Quality & Sensory

Typically pale white to ivory in color with a light, spongy, papery texture and a faint neutral aroma. The pith is extremely lightweight and breaks easily. When simmered it typically yields a mild, bland taste with no strong bitterness.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Simmered in herbal decoctions following traditional preparation methods
• Added to slow-cooked soups as a traditional culinary herb
• Used in congee or broths for a mild, neutral herbal addition
• Incorporated into seasonal home cooking with other botanicals

Traditional Uses

In traditional Chinese practice, Tongcao has long been included in decoctions and nourishing soups, often paired with herbs such as Wang Bu Liu Xing ( Vaccaria segetalis ) in folk postpartum soup traditions. It is also traditionally used in mild daily broths and congee. Preparation typically involves brief simmering with other ingredients, as the light pith softens quickly. Its bland nature made it a common companion herb in household soup recipes.

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