Single Herb Glossary
Ze Xie 澤瀉
| Pharmaceutical name | Alismatis Rhizoma water plantain |
| Category | Drain Damp |
| Key Properties | Facilitates the fluid pathways, clears blazing ministerial fire |
| Properties | Sweet Bland Cold |
| Tropism | KD, UB |
| Actions & Indications | 1) Promote Urination, Drain Damp 2) Settle Ministerial Fire in KD (drain Damp Heat in lower burner) |
| Dosages | 4.5-9 g |
| Contraindications (TCM) | Caution with sinking Sp Qi |
| Contraindications (Western) | |
| Chemical Composition | Alisol A, alisol B, alisol A monoacetate, alisol B monoacetate, alisol C monoacetate, epialisol A, alismol, alismoxide, alismin, starch, protein, essential oil |
| Pharmacological Effects | • Diuretic: associated with marked diuretic effects; however, not clear whether there is also an increase in excretion of sodium and potassium • Antihyperlipidemic: in one study, effective in treating hyperlipidemia, arteriosclerosis and fatty liver • Antihypertensive: intravenous injection of extract had mild antihypertensive effect that lasted approximately 30 minutes |
| Herb-Drug Interactions | • Diuretics: prudent to avoid combination of herbs and drugs that exert diuretic effects, as there may be additive or synergistic effects; combination therapy may lead to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes |
| Classical Formula(s) |
Shu Zao Yin Zi (Dredging and Cutting Drink) 疏鑿飲子 Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang (Tangkuei Decoction to Pry Out Pain) 當歸拈痛湯 Ji Chuan Jian (Benefit the River [Flow] Decoction) 濟川煎 (济川煎) Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-ingredient pill with rehmannia) 六味地黃丸 Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (gentian Decoction to Drain Liver) 龍膽瀉肝湯 Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi pill) 金櫃腎氣丸 (金柜肾气丸) Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) 五苓散 Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan (Unripe Bitter Orange Pill to Gide Out Stagnation) 枳實導滯丸 Zhu Ling Tang (Polyporus Decoction) 豬苓湯 (猪苓汤) Ba Xian Chang Shou Wan (Eight Immortal Pill for Longevity) 八仙長壽丸 Dang Gui Shao Yao San (Tangkuei and Peony Powder) 當歸芍藥散 Ge Hua Jie Cheng San (Kudzu Flower Powder to Relieve Hangovers) 葛花解酲散 Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin (Cinnamon and Poria Sweet Dew Drink) 桂苓甘露飲 Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan (Golden coffer Kidney Qi Pill) 濟生腎氣丸 (济生肾气丸) Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang (Raise the Yang and Augment the Stomach Decoction) 升陽益胃湯 Zhong Man Fen Xiao Wan (Separate and Reduce Fullness in the Middle Pill) 中滿分消丸 |
This information is a reference tool for Chinese herbal studies. It is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult a primary health professional if you require health advisory.