Dēng Xīn Cǎo (灯心草) — Juncus / Rush Pith
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Modern research
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Dēng Xīn Cǎo (灯心草) is the dried stem pith of Juncus effusus, the soft rush. It belongs to the category of Herbs that drain Damp and clear Damp-Heat through urination in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the gentlest Heart-Fire-clearing herbs in Chinese herbal medicine. Its mild nature makes it particularly suited to children with restless sleep and irritability.
I prescribe Dēng Xīn Cǎo as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Dēng Xīn Cǎo |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 灯心草 |
| Latin name | Juncus effusus (pith) |
| English name | Rush pith / Soft rush |
| Nature | Slightly cold |
| Flavour | Sweet, bland |
| Channels entered | Heart, Lung, Small Intestine |
| Category | Herbs that drain Damp / clear Heart Fire |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heart Fire gently
- Promotes urination and clears Damp-Heat from the lower burner
Indications
- Restlessness, crying and disturbed sleep in children from Heart Fire
- Mouth ulcers and tongue ulcers in adults from Heart Fire descending to the Small Intestine
- Hot painful scanty urination
4. Modern research
Juncus pith contains phenanthrene derivatives (juncusol, dehydrojuncusol), flavonoids and lignans. Studies report mild sedative, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. The herb has an excellent safety record across centuries of use, including in paediatric practice.
5. Cautions and contraindications
Very well tolerated. Use with caution in patients with weak Spleen Qi and chronic loose stools (although the diuretic action is mild).
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 Dēng Xīn Cǎo as part of tailored herbal formulas for children’s restlessness and disturbed sleep, gentle adjunctive support in Heart-Fire patterns, and mild urinary irritation. 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.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.
