Common rush pith

The dried spongy pith of the common rush, feather-light white strands sold tied in small bundles. Virtually flavourless, it is prized for its gentle cooling character rather than taste and must be tied or weighed down so it does not float out of the pot.

TCM properties

Nature · cooling　Flavour · sweet、bland　Meridians · heart、lung、small intestine

Traditional food therapy

In Cantonese food therapy it is a nursery herb, brewed to clear heart-fire, promote water and calm fretful restlessness, familiar from children's seven-star tea.

Cautions — read first

• Not for people who run cold and deficient, or who leak urine from cold deficiency in the lower body

Preparation

Tie it into small bundles, then soak and rinse. It is very light, so press it down into the soup.

Origin

江蘇、四川等地

Availability in Australia

Herbal shops / specialists

Pairs well with