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Sweet, slightly cold, with slight toxicity.
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) states it treats cough with upward rushing of Qi (ke ni shang qi), cures tendon stiffness and foul sores, and kills small insects.
[Invention] All bamboos and bamboo shoots are sweet, cold, and non-toxic; only bamboo leaves (Zhu Ye, Bamboo Leaves), having absorbed more Qi from yin winds and scorching sun, inevitably possess slight toxicity. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* says it treats cough with upward rushing of Qi because it can clear heat from the Lung and Stomach. It cures tendon stiffness and foul sores because it can transform Qi within the body. When Qi transforms and circulates freely, the bones and joints become smooth and unobstructed, leaving no room for harm by small insects. Zhang Zhongjing used Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) to treat post-febrile disease weakness, shortness of Qi, and rebellious Qi. In the *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), Zhu Ye Tang (Bamboo Leaf Decoction) is used to treat wind-stroke with fever, red face, and headache. Both take advantage of the principle of clearing deficient heat from the Lung and Stomach.

Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
Method for preparing Zhu Ru (Bamboo Sheaths): Select large green bamboo, scrape off the outer membrane with a porcelain plate, take the second layer resembling hemp fibers, remove dust and powder, and use.
[Invention] Zhu Ru (Bamboo Sheaths) specifically clears heat from the Stomach Fu organ and is an essential herb for treating deficiency irritability, thirst due to deficiency, and vomiting/rebellious Qi due to Stomach deficiency. It is suitable for cough with hemoptysis and postpartum deficiency irritability. The *Jingui Yaolue* uses Zhu Pi Da Wan (Large Bamboo Bark Pill) to treat postpartum deficiency irritability and vomiting/rebellious Qi. The *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) uses Gan Zhu Ru Tang (Sweet Bamboo Sheath Decoction) to treat postpartum internal deficiency, irritability, heat, and shortness of Qi. For postpartum deficiency irritability, headache, shortness of Qi, and stifling confusion that does not resolve, Dan Zhu Ru Tang (Light Bamboo Sheath Decoction) is used. Internal deficiency is treated with sweet herbs to calm the Middle Jiao, while stifling confusion is treated with bland herbs to clear the Stomach; each has profound rationale. Although its nature is cold and slippery, promoting orifice patency, there is no need to worry about it trapping pathogenic factors.

Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
Method for preparing Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap): Cut green bamboo into sections about two chi long, split open, and roast both ends over fire to collect the liquid. To obtain larger quantities, bury a jar in the earth, seal the opening with wet mud, secure two bamboo strips around the mouth according to size, insert vertically into the jar mouth, and apply abundant charcoal fire on top of the bamboo to roast.
[Invention] Zhu Ye (Bamboo Leaves) acts on the muscle layer as well, thus treating sores and killing insects. Zhu Ru (Bamboo Sheaths) specifically clears the Stomach Fu, thus stopping vomiting and relieving irritability. Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap) penetrates meridians effectively, treating tendon and vessel spasms; phlegm located in the subcutaneous tissue, membranes, and limb meridians cannot be resolved without Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap). Its nature is purely Yin; although extracted via fire, it requires Jiang Zhi (Ginger Juice) to stimulate its action to achieve efficacy. The *Qianjin Fang* treats Feng Fei (Wind Paralysis), characterized by painless body, inability to control limbs, and mild mental confusion, using Zhu Li Yin Zi (Bamboo Sap Drink). This details how the *Shennong Bencao Jing*'s treatment of tendon stiffness relies on the moistening property of Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap) to nourish. The *Qianjin Fang*, when treating inability to control limbs, combines Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), and Lingyang Jiao (Saiga Antelope Horn) to invigorate Yang. One relaxes tension, the other tightens laxity; their subtle applications are inconceivable. Some claim Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap) is cold and only applicable to hot phlegm, unaware that when added to formulas containing Fuzi and Guizhi, it can indeed transform damp-phlegm and cold-fluid retention. However, if mistakenly administered to patients with Spleen/Stomach deficiency, loose bowels, or Qi obstruction causing stool stagnation, it often leads to persistent hiccups, inability to eat, prolapse, uncontrollable diarrhea, and death. The Yin-soft nature, if not activated, remains inert; once activated, it acts violently and suddenly, making recovery difficult.