Chinese rice paper plant

Botanical

What is it

Chinese rice paper plant (Tetrapanax papyrifer; Tong Cao) is a shrub native to East Asia. Its dried pith is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for urinary, postpartum, and edema-related complaints.

Evidence for 1 use

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Urinary or edema-related complaints (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Used in TCM for urinary frequency and edema. No controlled clinical evidence supports specific benefits.

How it works

The pith contains polysaccharides, triterpenoid saponins, and small amounts of other constituents. In TCM, Tong Cao is described as a mild diuretic and as supporting lactation. Laboratory studies of the pith are limited, and controlled human evidence is sparse. Modern interest in the plant is largely historical and craft-related (the pith was traditionally used to make rice paper for painting). Supplement use is uncommon.

Dosage

Traditional TCM doses are 2-5 g of dried pith per day in decoction. Modern extracts vary; no consensus modern dose has been published.

When and how to take it

TCM decoctions are typically taken twice daily. Modern extracts may suggest with-meal dosing.

1 commercial form

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Dried pith (Tong Cao)

Used in TCM decoctions and postpartum formulas.

Traditional preparation; constituent content variable.

Safety

Reported side effects from traditional dosing are mild. Long-term safety has not been formally studied. Some Tetrapanax species can cause skin irritation on contact with sap.

Who should be cautious

Avoid during pregnancy due to traditional warnings. Use cautiously with diuretics or in people with dehydration. Discontinue if rash or contact dermatitis develops.

Interactions

Possible additive effect with diuretics based on traditional description. No specific clinical interaction data documented.

Frequently asked questions

What does 'rice paper plant' mean?⌄

The plant's pith was historically sliced to make thin sheets of 'rice paper' used in Chinese painting. Modern art paper has largely replaced this use.

Will it increase milk supply?⌄

Traditional use suggests it supports lactation, but no controlled human evidence confirms this. Speak with a lactation consultant for evidence-based support.

References

Chinese rice paper plant on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Chinese rice paper plant on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Chinese rice paper plant (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.