Dan Zhu Ye (Herba Lophatheri) is from the whole plant of the perennial herb, Lophatherum gracile Brongn, family Gramineae. The medicinal material is collected during the summer, dried in the sun and then cut into segments. It is often tied into small bundles as shown in the photo above.

Category: Heat Clearing.

Common Name: Lophatherum stem and leaves.

Channels Entered: Heart, Small Intestine and Stomach.

Properties and Functions: Dan Zhu Ye is sweet and bland in flavour, and cold in nature. It clears Heat to relieve restlessness and irritability, and also promotes urination to clear Damp-Heat.

Indications: It is commonly used in the treatment of febrile diseases characterised by dysphoria (general restlessness and irritability) and thirst. It is also used in cases of excessive Heart-Fire and Heat in the Small Intestine manifesting as tongue sores, dysuria (burning/stinging of the urethra), oedema, difficulty urinating and scanty urination.

Dosage: 6 – 9g

Cautions and Contra-Indications: Use with caution during pregnancy.