Bambusae Caulis In Taenias
Aliases：Zhú Pí (Bamboo Skin); Qīng Zhú Rú (Green Bamboo Shavings); Dàn Zhú Rú (Light Bamboo Shavings); Zhú Èr Qīng (Second-layer Bamboo Green); Qīng Zǐ Zhú (Green Bamboo).
Zhú Rú (Bamboo Shavings) is a Chinese medicinal herb. It is the dried intermediate layer of the stem of Bambusa tuldoides Munro, Sinocalamus beecheyanus (Munro) McClure var. pubescens P.F.Li, or Phyllostachys nigra (Lodd.) Munro var. henonis (Mitf.) Stapf ex Rendle, plants of the Poaceae (Gramineae) family.
Efficacy & Actions
Clears heat and resolves phlegm, relieves restlessness, and stops vomiting.
Indications
Respiratory System: Phlegm-heat cough; gallbladder fire with phlegm. Nervous System: Palpitations and restlessness, irritability and insomnia due to phlegm-heat disturbing the heart. Digestive System: Stomach-heat vomiting; hyperemesis gravidarum (severe pregnancy-induced vomiting). Others: Stroke with phlegm confusion; stiff tongue and inability to speak; threatened miscarriage.
Modern Pharmacology
Antibacterial effect: Exhibits certain antibacterial activity. Immunomodulatory effect: Studies have shown that bamboo shavings polysaccharides (BSP) possess immunomodulatory activity in vitro, promoting lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage phagocytosis. Inhibition of cAMP phosphodiesterase activity: This is one of its pharmacological mechanisms of action. Delaying skin aging: Some studies suggest that it has the effect of delaying skin aging.
Ingredients
Polysaccharides, amino acids, phenolic compounds, resins, flavonoids. Organic Acids: p-Coumaric acid, ferulic acid, vanillic acid, syringaldehyde, etc. Others: Terephthalic acid 2'-hydroxyethyl methyl ester, coniferyl aldehyde, 2,5-dimethoxy-p-benzoquinone, p-hydroxybenzaldehyde, etc.
Usage & Dosage
Oral Administration: Decoction, the standard dosage is 6–10g. Usage: For clearing heat and resolving phlegm, it should be used raw; for clearing stomach heat and stopping vomiting, it should be processed with ginger juice (Ginger-processed Zhú Rú, Jiāng Zhú Rú).
Contraindications
Contraindicated population: Contraindicated in patients with cold-phlegm cough, stomach-cold vomiting and retching, and spleen deficiency with diarrhea. As this herb is cold and cool in nature, it is not suitable for cold patterns. Pregnant women: Although it can be used to treat hyperemesis gravidarum, it should still be used with caution under the guidance of a physician.
Selected Formulas
For stomach-heat vomiting and hiccups (Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang, Zhuru Lugen Tea) Take 30g each of Zhuru (Bamboo shavings) and Lugen (Reed rhizome), with 3 slices of fresh ginger. Decoct in water and drink as tea. For lung-heat cough with phlegm (empirical formula) Take 9g each of Zhuru, Pipaye (Loquat leaf), and Xingren (Apricot seed), 4.5g of Huangqin (Scutellaria), and 12g of Sangbaipi (Mulberry root bark). Decoct in water and drink. For restlessness, dry mouth, and threatened miscarriage during pregnancy (empirical formula) Take 50g of light Zhuru (Dan Zhuru), decoct in water, and drink warm.
Daily Consumption
Zhú Rú Tea: Take 5g of Zhú Rú (Bamboo Shavings) and 3g of green tea. Steep in 200ml of boiling water for 5–10 minutes. It helps clear heat, cool blood, resolve phlegm, and stop vomiting. Zhú Rú and Tangerine Peel Congee: Take 10g of Zhú Rú, 10g of dried tangerine peel (Chén Pí), and 50g of polished rice. Decoct the Zhú Rú in water, strain to remove the residue, and use the liquid to cook the congee. When the congee is nearly done, sprinkle in the shredded tangerine peel. It helps clear heat, resolve phlegm, harmonize the stomach, and relieve restlessness. Tangerine Peel and Zhú Rú Drink: Take 5g of dried tangerine peel and 15g of Zhú Rú. Steep in boiling water and let it infuse for 10 minutes with the lid on. It helps regulate qi, resolve phlegm, harmonize the stomach, and direct counterflow downward.
Medicinal Parts
Dried intermediate layer (i.e., the part after the green outer layer is removed).
Selection & Storage
Store in a well-ventilated, dry place, protected from mold and insects.
