Lophatherum leaf (Lophatherum gracile)
Synopsis of lophatherum leaf
Lophatherum leaf (Lophatherum gracile) is a slender, grass-like herb used primarily in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it is known as Dàn Zhú Yè and valued for its cooling, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite its resemblance to bamboo leaves, it is not true bamboo; rather, it is a leafy grass harvested for its medicinal foliage.
In TCM, Dàn Zhú Yè is classified as a heat-clearing herb, often prescribed to treat irritability, thirst, mouth ulcers, urinary tract infections, and restlessness due to heat—especially when heat has entered the Heart or Small Intestine meridians. It is mildly diuretic, helping to promote urination and clear damp-heat from the body. It also has a calming effect on the spirit (Shen), which makes it useful in formulas addressing fever with agitation or insomnia caused by heat.
Modern phytochemical analysis has found that Lophatherum gracile contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and triterpenoids, which may contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While not widely used in Western herbalism, it is a common ingredient in Chinese herbal formulas and cooling teas used to soothe the body during hot, humid conditions.
Historical Use:
Lophatherum has been recorded in Chinese herbal texts for centuries, including the “Bencao Gangmu” (Compendium of Materia Medica) and other classical materia medica sources. Historically, it was used to clear summer heat, treat febrile diseases, and address heat-induced urinary issues, such as dark, scanty, or painful urination.
It was often included in decoctions during summer months to alleviate heat exhaustion, reduce internal agitation, and relieve dryness in the mouth or throat caused by excessive internal heat. The herb was also valued for treating children’s fevers and calming excessive crying or restlessness due to heat irritation.
In traditional Chinese formulas, Dàn Zhú Yè is often paired with herbs like Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), and Mu Tong to synergistically clear heat and support fluid metabolism. It remains an integral component in formulas such as Dao Chi San (Guide Out the Red Powder), used for clearing Heart heat and promoting urination.
Today, Lophatherum leaf continues to be used in TCM for urinary tract inflammation, low-grade fevers, mouth sores, and mild anxiety or insomnia associated with heat, especially in pediatric or sensitive patients due to its gentle action.
Lophatherum leaf is used for these health conditions
Bladder Infection (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Jaundice (adults) (Traditional)
Jaundice (infants) (Traditional)
Kidney Infection (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
lophatherum leaf is used to support these body systems
Bladder (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Glandular System (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
