Wild Tongcao Rice Paper Pith 500g Dried Tetrapanax Papyrifer Pith for Soup and Decoction

Tongcao (通草), the dried stem pith of Tetrapanax papyrifer, is a classic TCM herb also known as rice paper pith. In TCM theory it is sweet and bland in flavor and slightly cold in nature, traditionally associated with the lung and stomach channels. These pale, lightweight pith slices are traditionally simmered in soups and decoctions. Store frozen and use as directed by a qualified practitioner.

Key Selling Points

• Authentic wild-sourced Tongcao (通草) dried stem pith from Yunnan
• Botanical source Tetrapanax papyrifer, a well-known TCM decoction herb
• Traditionally used in TCM to promote urination and clear damp-heat
• Air-dried and carefully processed into light white pith pieces
• Commonly simmered in soups and herbal decoctions, especially postpartum broths

Quality & Sensory

Typically pale white to ivory in color with a soft, spongy, lightweight texture. The pith has little aroma and a mild, bland taste when decocted, adding body to broths without altering flavor.

Technical Specifications

Usage Scenarios

• Simmered in herbal soups and broths
• Added to traditional decoctions with other TCM herbs
• Paired with Wang Bu Liu Xing in postpartum soup recipes
• Used in seasonal wellness cooking under practitioner guidance

Traditional Uses

In TCM practice, Tongcao is traditionally used to clear damp-heat and promote urination, and it is a familiar ingredient in lactation-support soups, often combined with Wang Bu Liu Xing (Vaccaria seed) and pork knuckle. It is typically simmered 20-30 minutes in broths or decoctions and removed before serving.

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