Zhú Rú (竹茹) — Bamboo Shavings

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Cautions and contraindications
6. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Zhú Rú (竹茹) is the shaved inner layer of the stem of several bamboo species (Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis, Bambusa tuldoides, Sinocalamus beecheyanus). It belongs to the category of Cool herbs that transform Phlegm-Heat in the Chinese Materia Medica and is widely used in Chinese herbal medicine for cough with thick yellow phlegm, nausea and vomiting from Stomach Heat, and restlessness with insomnia from Phlegm-Heat harassing the Heart.

I prescribe Zhú Rú as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Clears Heat and transforms Phlegm in the Lung
2. Clears Stomach Heat and stops vomiting
3. Clears Gallbladder Heat and calms restlessness

Indications

1. Cough with thick, sticky yellow phlegm from Lung Heat
2. Nausea and vomiting from Stomach Heat or from morning sickness in pregnancy with a heat picture
3. Restlessness, irritability and insomnia from Phlegm-Heat disturbing the Heart and Gallbladder
4. Belching, hiccup and reflux from rebellious Stomach Qi with Heat

4. Modern research

Bamboo shavings contain cellulose, silica, polysaccharides and small amounts of triterpenes and flavonoids. Pharmacological studies are relatively sparse compared with mainstream herbs, but report mild antitussive, antiemetic and anti-inflammatory effects. The herb has a long safety record in pregnancy when used appropriately for Heat-pattern morning sickness, often combined with Sheng Jiang and Chen Pi.

5. Cautions and contraindications

Use with caution in cold-pattern vomiting with clear watery sputum and a pale tongue, where the cold nature would aggravate the picture. Generally well tolerated; no significant drug interactions are documented.

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 Zhú Rú as part of tailored herbal formulas for productive cough with Heat, Heat-pattern morning sickness, persistent nausea and reflux, and restless sleep with palpitations from Phlegm-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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