Herb Herbs that drain Dampness

Ze Xie

Water plantain | 泽泻

Alisma orientalis

TCM Properties

Temperature

Cold

Taste

Sweet

Organ Affinity

Urinary Bladder, Kidneys

Parts Used

Dried tuber

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Ze Xie

Traditional Actions

Promote urination
Drains Dampness
Clear Heat
Unblocks painful urination

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Ze Xie belongs to the 'Herbs that drain Dampness' category. These herbs are typically diuretics, meaning that they promotes the increased production of urine in order to remove Dampness that has accumulated in the body. According to TCM Dampness accumulates first in the lower limbs, causing edema and impaired movement. From there, if unchecked, it can move upward and impair digestion and eventually the respiratory system.

 

Furthermore Ze Xie is Cold in nature. This means that Ze Xie typically helps people who have too much 'Heat' in their body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Those who have too much Heat in their body are said to either have a Yang Excess (because Yang is Hot in nature) or a Yin deficiency (Yin is Cold in Nature). Depending on your condition Ze Xie can help restore a harmonious balance between Yin and Yang.

 

Ze Xie also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Ze Xie tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Ze Xie is thought to target the Bladder and the Kidney. In TCM the impure water collected by the Kidneys that cannot be used by the body is sent to the Bladder for storage and excretion as urine. The Kidneys do not only regulate the urinary system but also play a key role in the reproductive system and the growth and aging process of the body.

Common Applications

Edema Oliguria Urinary tract infection Hyperlipidemia

Research Studies

Scientific research and clinical studies on Ze Xie

A new triterpenoid named alisol O was isolated from the rhizomes of Alisma orientalis and together with six known compounds and exhibited inhibitory activity in vitro on hepatitis B virus (HBV).1

Alisma orientalis methanolic extract showed hepatoprotective effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and may be a potential clinical application for treatment of this chronic liver disease.2

Sources:

1. ZY Jiang, XM Zhang, FX Zhang, N Liu, F Zhao et al. (2006). A New Triterpene and Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Active Compounds from Alisma orientalis. Planta Med, 72(10): 951-954. DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-947178

2. Hong, X. , Tang, H. , Wu, L. and Li, L. (2006), Protective effects of the Alisma orientalis extract on the experimental nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, 58: 1391-1398. doi:10.1211/jpp.57.10.0013

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Ze Xie

Traditional Preparation

Remove impurities, soak slightly, cut in thick slices and dry.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

6 - 10g.

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Ze Xie

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Ze Xie may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.

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