Dàn Zhú Yè (淡竹叶) — Lophatherum
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Dàn Zhú Yè (淡竹叶) is the dried aerial parts of Lophatherum gracile, a bamboo-like grass. It belongs to the category of Herbs that drain Fire in the Chinese Materia Medica and is widely used in Chinese herbal medicine for clearing Heart Fire, easing irritability and treating hot painful urination. It is distinct from the bamboo leaf Zhú Yè (Phyllostachys), although the two are sometimes used interchangeably in modern practice.
I prescribe Dàn Zhú Yè as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Dàn Zhú Yè |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 淡竹叶 |
| Latin name | Lophatherum gracile |
| English name | Lophatherum / Bamboo grass |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Sweet, bland |
| Channels entered | Heart, Stomach, Small Intestine |
| Category | Herbs that drain Fire |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heart Fire and eases irritability
- Promotes urination and clears Damp-Heat from the Small Intestine
Indications
- Irritability, restlessness and insomnia from Heart Fire
- Mouth and tongue ulcers from Heart Fire descending to the Small Intestine
- Hot, painful, scanty urine and urinary tract irritation
- Fever with thirst in the residual stage of febrile illness
4. Modern research
Lophatherum contains flavonoids, triterpenoids and amino acids. Studies report antipyretic, diuretic and mild antimicrobial activity. The herb is widely used as an everyday cooling tea in southern China, particularly in summer.
5. Cautions and contraindications
Contraindicated in pregnancy and in cold-deficient patterns without heat. Generally very well tolerated at standard doses.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).
6. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Dàn Zhú Yè as part of tailored herbal formulas for mouth ulcers, urinary irritation with heat features, irritability and restlessness from Heart Fire, and post-febrile residual heat. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment.
I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available.
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