Herb Resin / Sap (树脂 shù zhī / 汁 zhī)

Tian Zhu Huang

Tabasheer · 天竺黄

Bambusa textilis McClure · Bambusae Concretio Silicea

Also known as: Bamboo Sugar

Tian Zhu Huang (Tabasheer) plant

Images shown are for educational purposes only

Tian Zhu Huang is a natural siliceous deposit found inside bamboo stems, formed when the plant's sap dries and solidifies. It is especially valued in Chinese medicine for clearing heat-related phlegm and calming convulsions, making it a go-to herb for children with high fevers accompanied by seizures or excessive mucus. It is gentle enough to be suitable for paediatric use and is a key ingredient in several classical children's formulas.

Category Phlegm-transforming herbs (化痰药) Herbs that cool and transform Phlegm-Heat (清化热痰药)
Therapeutic focus Respiratory Health Children's Health Neurological Health Fever Management

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels entered

Heart, Liver, Gallbladder

Parts used

Resin / Sap (树脂 shù zhī / 汁 zhī)

Educational content • Consult qualified TCM practitioners for diagnosis and treatment

What This Herb Does

Every herb has a specific set of actions — here's what Tian Zhu Huang does in the body, explained in both everyday and TCM terms

Therapeutic focus

In practical terms, Tian Zhu Huang is primarily used to support these areas of health:

Respiratory Health Children's Health Neurological Health Fever Management

TCM Actions

In TCM terminology, these are the specific therapeutic actions that Tian Zhu Huang performs to restore balance in the body:

Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm Settles Fright and Calms Convulsions Calms the Spirit and Settles Fright Expels Phlegm and Opens the Orifices

How these actions work

'Clears Heat and transforms Phlegm' means Tian Zhu Huang helps the body resolve thick, sticky mucus that has formed due to internal heat. In TCM, when heat concentrates in the Lungs or upper body, it can 'cook' body fluids into dense phlegm that is difficult to cough up and may cause chest tightness or wheezing. Because Tian Zhu Huang is cold in nature and sweet in taste, it cools the heat driving phlegm production while loosening the phlegm itself. This makes it useful in conditions with yellow, thick sputum and coughing.

'Cools the Heart and calms convulsions' refers to its ability to address situations where heat and phlegm disturb the Heart and mind. In TCM, the Heart houses the spirit (Shen), and when hot phlegm obstructs the Heart's function, it can lead to confusion, delirium, agitation, or convulsions. Tian Zhu Huang enters the Heart channel and uses its cold nature to clear this heat, helping to settle the spirit and stop seizures. This is why it has been a key herb in paediatric formulas for febrile convulsions for centuries.

'Settles fright and calms the spirit' extends its Heart-cooling action to include restlessness, palpitations, night crying in infants, and anxiety related to phlegm-heat disturbing the mind. Unlike heavier sedating minerals, Tian Zhu Huang works gently by addressing the root cause (phlegm-heat) rather than simply suppressing symptoms, which is why classical texts describe it as particularly suitable for children.

Patterns Addressed

In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony. Tian Zhu Huang is used to help correct these specific patterns.

Why Tian Zhu Huang addresses this pattern

When heat and phlegm accumulate in the Lungs, the result is coughing with thick, yellow, difficult-to-expectorate sputum, chest tightness, and sometimes wheezing. Tian Zhu Huang's cold nature directly counters the heat component, while its sweet taste gently loosens and transforms the sticky phlegm. It enters the Heart channel, which helps address the restlessness and irritability that often accompany Lung phlegm-heat. Compared to Zhu Li (bamboo sap liquid), which is stronger but more slippery and cold, Tian Zhu Huang is gentler and better tolerated by those with sensitive digestion.

A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs

Hypochondrial Pain That Is Worse On Coughing And Breathing

Productive cough with thick yellow sputum that is hard to expectorate

Wheezing

Wheezing or laboured breathing from phlegm obstruction

Chest Pain

Chest tightness and fullness

Commonly Used For

These are conditions where Tian Zhu Huang is frequently used — but only when they arise from the specific patterns it addresses, not in all cases

Arises from: Internal Wind due to Liver Heat Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart

TCM Interpretation

TCM views most childhood febrile seizures as a pattern where extreme heat generates internal wind. Children are considered to have 'pure Yang' constitutions, meaning they are prone to generating heat quickly during illness. This heat can condense body fluids into phlegm, and when hot phlegm and wind combine, they obstruct the Heart's orifices and agitate the Liver, producing convulsions, upward-staring eyes, clenched jaw, and rigidity. The key organs involved are the Heart (which houses consciousness), the Liver (which governs smooth movement and is prone to wind), and the Lungs (where phlegm accumulates).

Why Tian Zhu Huang Helps

Tian Zhu Huang directly addresses the two core pathological factors in febrile seizures: heat and phlegm. Its cold nature clears the heat that drives both wind and phlegm formation. Its sweet taste and phlegm-transforming action dissolve the sticky obstruction blocking the Heart's orifices and the Liver's smooth function. Because it enters both the Heart and Liver channels, it targets the two organs most directly involved. Classical texts specifically describe it as a key paediatric herb because its action is effective yet gentle enough for children's delicate constitutions, unlike stronger substances such as Zhu Li (bamboo sap), which is more cold and slippery and can upset a child's digestion.

Also commonly used for

Fever

High fever with delirium or impaired consciousness

Hypochondrial Pain That Is Worse On Coughing And Breathing

Cough with thick yellow phlegm due to Lung heat

Wheezing

Phlegm-heat type wheezing

Epilepsy

Epilepsy related to phlegm-heat patterns

Palpitations

Palpitations with restlessness from phlegm-heat

Crying

Infant night crying due to heat disturbing the spirit

Pneumonia

Pneumonia with high fever and thick phlegm

Herb Properties

Every herb has an inherent temperature, taste, and affinity for specific channels — these properties determine how it interacts with the body

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Sweet (甘 gān)

Channels Entered

Heart Liver Gallbladder

Parts Used

Resin / Sap (树脂 shù zhī / 汁 zhī)

Dosage & Preparation

These are general dosage guidelines for Tian Zhu Huang — always follow your practitioner's recommendation, as dosages vary based on the formula and your individual condition

Standard dosage

3–9g

Maximum dosage

Up to 15g in decoction for acute Phlegm-Heat conditions in adults, under practitioner supervision. When taken as powder, do not exceed 1g per dose.

Dosage notes

When used in decoction, the standard range is 3–9g. For powder form (ground and dissolved or swallowed), the typical dose is 0.6–1g per administration. Powder form is often preferred for this herb, as it has traditionally been incorporated into pill and powder formulas rather than decoctions. Lower doses (3–6g decoction or 0.6g powder) are suitable for mild Phlegm-Heat cough. Higher doses (6–9g decoction or 1g powder) are used for more acute conditions such as febrile convulsions or stroke with Phlegm obstruction. Because of its cold nature, dosage should be moderated in patients with any underlying Spleen weakness.

Preparation

Tian Zhu Huang is most commonly used in pill (丸) and powder (散) formulations rather than standard decoctions. When used in decoction, no special handling is required. When used as powder, it is typically ground to a fine consistency and taken dissolved in water or other liquid, at a dose of 0.6–1g. The raw material should be crushed before use. Store sealed in a dry place, as the substance is highly hygroscopic and will absorb moisture from the air.

Common Herb Pairs

These ingredients are traditionally combined with Tian Zhu Huang for enhanced therapeutic effect

Tian Nan Xing
Tian Nan Xing 1:1

Tian Zhu Huang and Dan Nan Xing are a classic synergistic pair (known as 'xiangxu' or mutually reinforcing). Tian Zhu Huang clears heat and transforms phlegm while calming convulsions, and Dan Nan Xing powerfully dries dampness and expels phlegm while extinguishing wind. Together they address phlegm-heat obstructing the Heart's orifices far more effectively than either herb alone, covering both the heat and the phlegm simultaneously.

When to use: High fever with delirium and gurgling phlegm sounds in the throat, febrile convulsions, epilepsy from phlegm-heat, or stroke with loss of consciousness and phlegm obstruction.

Shi Chang Pu
Shi Chang Pu 1:1

Tian Zhu Huang clears phlegm-heat while Shi Chang Pu (Acorus) opens the orifices and arouses consciousness with its aromatic, warm nature. This 'one cool, one warm' combination is complementary: Tian Zhu Huang clears the heat and dissolves the phlegm, while Shi Chang Pu opens the passages that the phlegm was blocking. The result is a much stronger effect on restoring consciousness than either herb alone.

When to use: Loss of consciousness or confused delirium during febrile illness, or stroke with phlegm obstruction and inability to speak.

Ban Xia
Ban Xia 1:1

Tian Zhu Huang is cold and clears heat-phlegm, while Ban Xia Qu (processed Pinellia) is warm and dries dampness-phlegm. This 'one clearing, one drying' pair addresses cases where both damp-phlegm and heat-phlegm coexist, strengthening the overall phlegm-transforming and cough-stopping effect. The combination also helps with nausea and chest oppression.

When to use: Damp-heat phlegm conditions with cough, difficult expectoration, nausea, chest fullness, and disturbed sleep. Especially useful in children with phlegm-heat and digestive stagnation.

Bai Jiang Cao
Bai Jiang Cao 1:1

Tian Zhu Huang clears heat-phlegm and calms convulsions, while Bai Jiang Can (Bombyx batryticatus) disperses wind, transforms phlegm, and stops spasms. Together they tackle febrile convulsions from two angles: Tian Zhu Huang addresses the phlegm-heat root cause, while Bai Jiang Can directly extinguishes the wind causing the spasms.

When to use: Wind-heat phlegm causing wheezing, or febrile convulsions and epileptic seizures in children.

Comparable Ingredients

These ingredients have overlapping uses — here's how to tell them apart

Zhu Ling
Tian Zhu Huang vs Zhu Ling

Both come from bamboo and both clear heat-phlegm, but they differ significantly in strength and clinical application. Zhu Li (bamboo sap liquid) is colder, more slippery in nature, and has a stronger phlegm-clearing action. It directly enters the channels and collaterals, making it preferred for adults with stubborn, thick phlegm from stroke or severe Lung heat. Tian Zhu Huang is gentler and better at calming convulsions and settling the spirit, making it the preferred choice for paediatric febrile seizures and for patients whose digestion cannot tolerate Zhu Li's cold, slippery nature.

Zhu Ru
Tian Zhu Huang vs Zhu Ru

Zhu Ru (bamboo shavings) is another bamboo-derived herb that clears heat and transforms phlegm, but it is only slightly cold and its strength lies in clearing Heart irritability and stopping vomiting. Zhu Ru is best for restlessness, insomnia, and nausea due to phlegm-heat in the Stomach. Tian Zhu Huang is much stronger at calming convulsions and is the better choice when seizures or loss of consciousness are present. Zhu Ru does not have significant anti-convulsive action.

Gua Lou
Tian Zhu Huang vs Gua Lou

Both clear heat-phlegm in the Lungs, but Gua Lou (Trichosanthes) is sweet, cold, and primarily works on the Lungs and Stomach to moisten and clear phlegm while also promoting bowel movement. It is better for constipation accompanying Lung phlegm-heat. Tian Zhu Huang is specifically indicated when phlegm-heat also disturbs the Heart and Liver, causing convulsions, delirium, or mental disturbance, which Gua Lou does not address.

Identity & Adulterants

Related species and common adulterations to be aware of when sourcing Tian Zhu Huang

Because naturally occurring Tian Zhu Huang is quite rare, it is commonly substituted with artificially produced material. A widespread method involves burning bamboo groves or applying intense heat to bamboo culms, which forces the sap to exude and crystallize. This fire-produced material is considered acceptable but is of lower quality than naturally formed concretions. More problematic is deliberate adulteration with synthetic sodium silicate or ammonium silicate mixtures, which are dried to mimic the appearance of genuine Tian Zhu Huang but lack the trace organic compounds (polysaccharides, amino acids, bamboo pigments) found in the authentic material. Starch from Curcuma angustifolia (East Indian Arrowroot, known as Tikhur) is sometimes sold as a substitute in South Asian markets. Authentic Tian Zhu Huang can be distinguished by its strong hygroscopic property, semi-translucent quality, very light weight, and by chemical testing (silica identification tests as described in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia).

Educational content — always consult a qualified healthcare provider or TCM practitioner before using any herb.

Toxicity Classification

Classical Chinese pharmacopoeia toxicity rating for Tian Zhu Huang

Non-toxic

Tian Zhu Huang is classified as non-toxic. Its primary composition is amorphous hydrated silica with trace minerals and amino acids. No specific toxic components have been identified. The main safety concern is its cold nature, which can injure the Spleen and Stomach with prolonged or excessive use, particularly in patients without genuine Heat-Phlegm conditions. The classical text Ben Cao Hui (本草汇) specifically warns that "prolonged use can cause cold in the middle burner."

Contraindications

Situations where Tian Zhu Huang should not be used or requires extra caution

Avoid

Spleen deficiency with cold Stomach and loose stools (脾虚胃寒便溏). The cold nature of Tian Zhu Huang can further damage Spleen Yang and worsen diarrhea.

Caution

Absence of true Heat-Phlegm or Fire (无实热痰火者). This herb is specifically for clearing Heat and transforming hot Phlegm. Using it in Cold-Phlegm or Damp-Phlegm patterns without Heat will worsen the condition.

Caution

Prolonged use. Classical sources warn that extended use can cause internal cold damage to the middle burner (久用亦能寒中), weakening digestive function over time.

Caution

Pregnancy. Some classical sources list it as contraindicated in pregnancy due to its cold nature and potential effects on fetal development.

Special Populations

Important considerations for pregnancy, breastfeeding, and pediatric use

Pregnancy

Some classical sources list Tian Zhu Huang as contraindicated during pregnancy (孕妇禁用). The concern relates primarily to its cold nature, which could potentially disturb the Spleen and Stomach function important for supporting pregnancy, rather than any specific uterine-stimulating or teratogenic mechanism. Pregnant women should avoid this herb unless specifically prescribed by a qualified practitioner who has determined that a genuine Heat-Phlegm condition warrants its use.

Breastfeeding

No specific classical or modern contraindications for breastfeeding have been documented. However, given its cold nature, breastfeeding mothers should use caution, as the cold property could theoretically affect digestion in both mother and nursing infant. Use only when a clear Heat-Phlegm pattern is present, and at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration.

Children

Tian Zhu Huang is historically one of the most important herbs in pediatric TCM practice. Classical sources describe it as gentle enough for infants and children, making it preferable to the stronger Zhu Li (bamboo sap) for young patients. For children, it is more commonly administered as powder (0.3–0.6g per dose) or incorporated into pill formulations such as Bao Long Wan rather than given as a decoction. Dosage should be adjusted according to age and body weight. For infants under one year, the historical Bao Long Wan dosage was divided into 3–4 portions from a single adult pill. Always use under practitioner supervision in pediatric cases.

Drug Interactions

If you are taking pharmaceutical medications, be aware of these potential interactions with Tian Zhu Huang

No well-documented pharmaceutical drug interactions have been established for Tian Zhu Huang specifically. Its primary composition is amorphous silica with trace minerals and organic compounds. Theoretically, the high silica content could potentially interfere with the absorption of concurrently taken oral medications if administered simultaneously, similar to other mineral-based substances. As a precaution, it is advisable to separate administration of Tian Zhu Huang from other oral medications by at least one to two hours. No known interactions with anticoagulants, sedatives, or anticonvulsant medications have been clinically documented, though patients on prescription anticonvulsant therapy should inform their healthcare provider before using this herb.

Dietary Advice

Foods and dietary considerations when taking Tian Zhu Huang

While taking Tian Zhu Huang, avoid cold and raw foods that could further burden the Spleen and Stomach, as the herb's cold nature already places some demand on digestive warmth. Greasy, fried, and excessively sweet foods should also be minimized, as these tend to generate more Phlegm. Light, easily digestible warm foods are preferred. Avoid alcohol, as it tends to generate Heat and Dampness.

Botanical Description

Physical characteristics and morphology of the Tian Zhu Huang source plant

Tian Zhu Huang (天竺黄) is not a plant itself but rather a natural siliceous concretion formed inside the hollow stems of certain bamboo species, primarily Green-skin Bamboo (Bambusa textilis McClure) and Chinese Schizostachyum (Schizostachyum chinense Rendle). These are tall, clumping bamboos native to tropical and subtropical southern China.

Green-skin Bamboo (Bambusa textilis) is a large clumping bamboo that grows 8–15 metres tall, with culms (stems) 3–5 cm in diameter covered by a distinctive smooth green skin. When certain bamboo wasps bore holes into the culm nodes, or when the bamboo is damaged or subjected to heat, the sap (known as wound exudate or "bleeding fluid") collects inside the hollow internodal spaces. Over time, this fluid dries, concentrates, and solidifies into irregular chunks or flakes of silica-rich material, which is the medicinal substance Tian Zhu Huang. The substance is essentially a natural biogenic opal, composed primarily of amorphous hydrated silica (up to 85% SiO₂).

Sourcing & Harvesting

Where Tian Zhu Huang is sourced, when it's harvested or collected, and how to assess quality

Harvesting season

Autumn and winter (秋、冬二季). Bamboo culms are cut open and the solidified concretions are collected from within the internodal cavities, then dried.

Primary growing regions

Mainly produced in Yunnan (云南), Guangdong (广东), and Guangxi (广西) provinces in southern China, where the source bamboo species (Green-skin Bamboo and Chinese Schizostachyum) grow natively. Guangdong and Guangxi are the primary regions for Green-skin Bamboo (Bambusa textilis), while Yunnan is the main source for Schizostachyum chinense. These warm, humid subtropical to tropical regions of southern China represent the traditional producing areas. Natural Tian Zhu Huang is relatively rare, so much of the commercial supply is obtained by deliberately applying heat to bamboo culms (fire-processing) to induce sap exudation, or by boring artificial holes into the stems.

Quality indicators

Good quality Tian Zhu Huang comes in irregular flakes or granular chunks. The best pieces are pale blue-grey, greyish-yellow, greyish-white, or pristine white in color, with a semi-translucent appearance and slight lustrous sheen. The texture should be light in weight, hard yet brittle, and it should break easily. A key quality test is its strong hygroscopic (moisture-absorbing) property: genuine Tian Zhu Huang readily absorbs water. It should be odorless with a bland taste. Avoid pieces that are dark, opaque, heavy, or that lack the characteristic translucency and moisture-absorbing behavior, as these may be adulterated or substituted products.

Classical Texts

Key passages from the classical Chinese medical texts that describe Tian Zhu Huang and its therapeutic uses

《开宝本草》(Kai Bao Ben Cao, 973 CE)

Original: 主小儿惊风天吊，镇心明目，去诸风热，疗金疮止血，滋养五脏。

Translation: "Treats childhood convulsions and upward-gazing seizures, calms the Heart and brightens the eyes, eliminates all Wind-Heat conditions, heals metal-inflicted wounds and stops bleeding, and nourishes the five Zang organs."

《本草经疏》(Ben Cao Jing Shu) — Miao Xiyong (缪希雍)

Original: 天竺黄，气微寒而性亦稍缓，故为小儿家要药。入手少阴经，小儿惊风天吊诸风热者，亦犹大人热极生风之候也。此药能除热养心，豁痰利窍，心家热清而惊自平，君主安而五脏咸得滋养。

Translation: "Tian Zhu Huang is slightly cold in nature and moderate in its action, making it an essential medicine for pediatric practice. It enters the Hand Shaoyin (Heart) channel. In children with convulsions and upward-gazing seizures due to Wind-Heat, this is analogous to extreme Heat generating Wind in adults. This herb clears Heat and nourishes the Heart, opens Phlegm and frees the orifices. When Heart Heat is cleared, convulsions naturally subside; when the Sovereign (Heart) is at peace, all five Zang organs are nourished."

《本草纲目》(Ben Cao Gang Mu) — Li Shizhen (李时珍)

Original: 竹黄，气味功用与竹沥同，而无寒滑之害。

Translation: "Zhu Huang (Tian Zhu Huang) has the same properties and functions as Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap), but without the disadvantage of being excessively cold and slippery."

《本草汇言》(Ben Cao Hui Yan) — Ni Zhumo (倪朱谟)

Original: 竹沥性速，直通经络而有寒滑之功；竹黄性缓，清空解热而更有定惊安神之妙。故前古治小儿惊风天吊，夜啼不眠，客忤痢疟及伤风痰闭，发热气促，入抱龙丸，治婴科惊痰要剂。

Translation: "Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap) is rapid in action, directly penetrating the channels and collaterals with its cold, slippery effect; Zhu Huang (Tian Zhu Huang) is gentler, clearing Heat while possessing the additional marvel of calming convulsions and settling the spirit. Hence the ancients used it for childhood convulsions, night crying, insomnia, and wind-cold with Phlegm obstruction, incorporating it into Bao Long Wan (Embrace the Dragon Pill), a key formula for pediatric convulsions with Phlegm."

Historical Context

The history and evolution of Tian Zhu Huang's use in Chinese medicine over the centuries

Tian Zhu Huang was first recorded in the Kai Bao Ben Cao (开宝本草, 973 CE) of the Northern Song dynasty. Its name literally means "Heavenly Bamboo Yellow" (天竺黄), though the "天竺" portion originally referred to India (the ancient Chinese name for the Indian subcontinent was Tianzhu). The Lin Hai Zhi (临海志) noted that it "comes from the land of Tianzhu (India)," hence the name. However, Song dynasty commentator Kou Zongshi clarified that it is simply a yellowish substance found growing inside bamboo nodes. Li Shizhen cited the Buddhist monk Zan Ning, who explained that it comes from a very large bamboo called "Tian Zhu" (heavenly bamboo) growing along the southern coast.

Throughout its history, Tian Zhu Huang has been most closely associated with pediatric medicine. It became a central ingredient in the famous formula Bao Long Wan (抱龙丸, "Embrace the Dragon Pill") from the Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue (小儿药证直诀) by Qian Yi (钱乙), the great Song dynasty pediatrics specialist. This formula, combining Tian Zhu Huang with Realgar, Cinnabar, Musk, and bile-processed Arisaema, became a cornerstone treatment for childhood febrile convulsions. Classical scholars consistently praised its advantage over Zhu Li (fresh bamboo sap): both clear Heat and transform Phlegm, but Tian Zhu Huang acts more gently and has a superior spirit-calming and convulsion-stopping effect, making it safer and more appropriate for vulnerable pediatric patients.

Modern Research

2 published studies investigating the pharmacological effects or clinical outcomes of Tian Zhu Huang

1

Potential Medicinal Application and Toxicity Evaluation of Extracts from Bamboo Plants (Review, 2015)

Lu B, Wu X, Tie X, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2005, 102(3), 451-461. (Note: The PMC-hosted review by Yuping et al. provides the most comprehensive coverage, PMC4659479)

This comprehensive review in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology documented the medicinal uses of various bamboo-derived products in traditional Asian medicine, including Tianzhuhuang (tabashir). The review confirmed that tabashir contains up to 85% silica and summarized its traditional applications for clearing heat, resolving phlegm, and relieving convulsions, particularly in children's febrile disorders. It also reviewed modern pharmacological evidence for bamboo-derived products including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects.

PubMed
2

Structural Studies of Tabasheer, an Opal of Plant Origin (Analytical study, 2003)

MacKenzie KJD, Smith ME, Kemp TF, Voll D. Applied Magnetic Resonance, 2003, 24(3-4), 423-431.

This study examined the structural composition of tabasheer (bamboo silica concretion) using X-ray fluorescence, solid-state NMR, X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis. It confirmed that silicon is the major elemental component, with small amounts of aluminum, iron, calcium, and magnesium. The study found that tabasheer is structurally similar to opal and silica gel, with aluminium incorporated tetrahedrally into the silicate network. These findings help explain its mineral-based medicinal properties.

Research on individual TCM herbs is growing but still limited by Western clinical trial standards. These studies provide emerging evidence and should be considered alongside practitioner expertise.