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Bamboo species are numerous; only those with thick stems and sweet taste are considered superior. They must be at least one year old to be tender yet potent, making them suitable for extraction.

Zhuli (Bamboo Sap), is the juice flowing from both ends of bamboo after being roasted. For every cup of Zhuli, two spoons of fresh ginger juice should be added. This combination treats fever due to Yin deficiency, trismus (lockjaw) in stroke, Tian Diao epilepsy (a type of convulsive disorder characterized by opisthotonos) in children, and syncope or dizziness in women during pregnancy and postpartum. It does not harm the fetus before birth nor cause stagnation in deficiency states after birth. It stops palpitations and anxiety, expels phlegm causing epilepsy. For phlegm lodged in the meridians and limbs, it penetrates deeply to clear it; for phlegm in the subcutaneous tissue and intermuscular spaces (between skin and fascia), it reaches directly to promote circulation. Although commonly regarded as extremely cold in nature, this is a misconception because it is extracted via heat and combined with ginger juice, thus neutralizing any cold property. Moreover, since Zhuli originates from bamboo, it resembles blood in the human body; it strongly nourishes Yin and excels at clearing fire. Its slippery and smooth nature allows it to penetrate orifices and expel phlegm, making it a crucial herb for treating stroke. Stroke often arises from Yin deficiency with hyperactive fire, which scorches body fluids into phlegm, obstructing airways and impairing Qi ascent and descent. By smoothing the meridians, Zhuli helps eliminate phlegm-heat and unblock airways, resolving external symptoms. Therefore, it is suitable for cases involving fire, dryness, and heat. However, it is contraindicated in cases of Spleen/Stomach deficiency with loose bowels, or when phlegm is generated from cold-phlegm, damp-phlegm, or food retention. Jingli (Jujube Bamboo Sap) has similar properties but is preferred for excess-cold patterns, whereas Zhuli is preferred for deficiency-heat patterns.

Main Indications (referencing smallpox/rubella contexts): Nourishes Yin and subdues Yang; effectively opens up hot-phlegm. Suitable for patients with strong Stomach and Lung heat; strictly contraindicated in Lung deficiency with loose bowels.

Also known as Zhu Gao (Bamboo Paste). Produced in Tianzhu (India), it is formed from the essence of bamboo. Its flavor, odor, and functions are similar to Zhuli, but Tianzhu Huang has a slightly cold nature and milder action. Thus, it is an essential herb for pediatric conditions, entering the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian. It specifically clears heat, nourishes the Heart, resolves phlegm, and calms fright. Prolonged use may damage the Middle Jiao.

Tianzhu Huang treats Tian Diao epilepsy in children. In adults suffering from aphasia due to stroke, it calms the Heart, brightens the eyes, clears heat, drives out pathogens, resolves phlegm, benefits orifices, removes heat, nourishes the Heart, and tonifies the Five Zang organs. It is also used for traumatic wounds complicated by wind-heat.

Main Indications (referencing smallpox/rubella contexts): Mainly treats aphasia due to phlegm obstruction and brightens the eyes; dispels wind-dampness, alleviates palpitations, calms the Heart, and nourishes the Five Zang organs. Most suitable for children due to its mild and gentle nature.