Dàn Zhú Yè (淡竹叶) — Lophatherum

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Modern research
5. Incompatibilities
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. 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

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Clears Heart Fire and eases irritability
2. Promotes urination and clears Damp-Heat from the Small Intestine

Indications

1. Irritability, restlessness and insomnia from Heart Fire
2. Mouth and tongue ulcers from Heart Fire descending to the Small Intestine
3. Hot, painful, scanty urine and urinary tract irritation
4. 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. Incompatibilities

Dàn Zhú Yè (淡竹叶) Lophatherum is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions). As with every Chinese herb it should be prescribed only as part of a balanced formula by a registered Chinese herbalist (RCHM), who will check for interactions with any other herbs and prescription medications you are taking.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Contraindicated in pregnancy and in cold-deficient patterns without heat. Generally very well tolerated at standard doses.

Pattern contraindications

Used short term for Excess Fire patterns. Contraindicated in Cold patterns, Spleen and Stomach Yang deficiency, Yin and Blood deficiency. Pregnancy: most Fire-purging herbs are contraindicated.

Modern drug interactions

Several (Zhi Mu, Shi Gao) are generally well tolerated. Long-term Da Huang depletes potassium and should be reviewed with your GP if you take digoxin or diuretics.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM).

7. 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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