Zhú Yè (竹叶) — Bamboo Leaf
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Zhú Yè (竹叶) — Phyllostachys nigra — is known in English as Bamboo leaf. It belongs to the category of herbs that drain Heat and relieve irritability in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Zhú Yè as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Zhú Yè |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 竹叶 |
| Latin name | Phyllostachys nigra |
| English name | Bamboo leaf |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Sweet, bland |
| Channels entered | Heart, Stomach, Small Intestine |
| Category | Clear heat |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Clears Heat and relieves irritability and restlessness
- Promotes urination and drains Heart Heat through the Small Intestine
- Generates fluids and relieves thirst
Indications
- Fever with restlessness, irritability and thirst
- Mouth and tongue ulcers from Heart Fire
- Dark, scanty or burning urination
- Residual Heat in the later stage of a febrile illness
4. Key formulas containing Zhú Yè
Zhú Yè is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Bamboo leaf contains flavone glycosides and phenolic acids, studied preclinically for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. Clinical research on the isolated herb is limited; in TCM it is valued for a specific Heat-with-irritability pattern rather than for a named disease.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
No classical incompatibilities are recorded for Zhú Yè in the Shi Ba Fan or Shi Jiu Wei. Zhú Yè should not be confused with Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatherum gracile), a separate herb with a stronger diuretic action that is often substituted for it.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Being cold in nature, it is used with caution in Spleen and Stomach deficiency-Cold and is avoided in prolonged use in patients with weak digestion. It is not used in pregnancy without professional supervision.
Pattern contraindications
Avoid where irritability and insomnia arise from Blood or Yin deficiency rather than from excess Heat, where a nourishing rather than a draining approach is required.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Zhú Yè at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Treatment at my clinic
I prescribe Zhú Yè as part of tailored herbal formulas for Heart and Stomach Heat patterns presenting with restlessness, mouth ulceration and burning urination, always within an individually formulated prescription.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
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. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
