Traditional Chinese Medicine Healing Herbs(TCMHH)

Edema-Alleviating Diuretics

Tong Tian Cao: Chinese Herb Guide

Waternut Herb 通天草
By the TCMHH editorial team Not medically reviewed How we work Updated 6 Oct 2026
Tong Tian Cao: Chinese Herb Guide
Tong Tian Cao: Chinese Herb Guide
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通天草

Name

Tong Tian Cao (Waternut Herb)

The Effect of Tong Tian Cao

Property

Bitter, neutral; spleen and kidney meridians entered.

Actions

Promote diuresis and resolve swelling.

Indications

Edema, difficult urination.

Dosage and Administrations

Decoct 4.5~9 g.

This entry follows the standard reference format. How to read a TCM entry explains what each heading means and how the terminology works. Not medically reviewed and not medical advice — see the medical disclaimer.

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Sources and further reading

We cite classical materia medica and modern reference works. This article is health education, not medical advice.

  • Shennong Bencao Jing (The Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), Han dynasty.
  • Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen, 1578.
  • Chinese Pharmacopoeia, current edition — identity, quality and safety monographs.
  • NCCIH and WHO reference material on traditional medicine safety.

Spotted an error or a better source? Tell us — corrections are logged on our editorial policy page.

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