9Asian Water Plantain Rhizome

Asian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) – The Herb Used in Traditional Systems to Support Normal Fluid Drainage and Kidney BalanceAsian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie), also known as "Water Plantain" or "Alisma," is the traditional Chinese name for the dried rhizome/tuber of Alisma orientalis or Alisma plantago-aquatica, a sweet, cool herb from the water plantain family that has been part of traditional Chinese herbal systems for over 2000 years. This cool, sweet herb is particularly known for its ability to effectively drain normal fluid accumulation, promote normal urine production, restore normal heat-dampness balance, support normal kidney health and maintain normal sustained water balance – making it an ideal choice for people with a tendency toward normal fluid accumulation, normal edema (swelling), normal urinary drainage problems and normal heat-dampness patterns.Traditional Understanding in TCM Systems – "The King of Fluid Drainers"Within traditional Chinese medicine, asian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) is described as "the King of fluid drainers" – one of the most fundamental and effective fluid-draining herbs. In the TCM theoretical framework, it acts on the so‑called Kidney and Bladder meridians. According to this traditional description, Ze-xie specializes in normal "fluid drainage through urine promotion" and normal "heat-dampness elimination" – crucial TCM concepts for normal water metabolism and normal kidney balance.Asian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) is seen in TCM as a very potent but gentle "fluid-draining herb" – the herb type that promotes fluid drainage WITHOUT depleting normal body fluids (Yin). This distinguishes it from many harsher modern diuretics.Special Property: Fluid Drainage with Yin PreservationAsian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) distinguishes itself by its rare ability to effectively drain normal fluid accumulation WHILE preserving normal body fluids (Yin). This makes it suitable for long-term use without drying effects.Botanical Composition and Research Asian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) contains over 120 bioactive compounds, of which the main ones are:Protostane triterpenoids (characteristic components – research shows over 20 types)Polysaccharides (arabinoxylans)Sterols (β-sitosterol, campesterol)Phenolic acids (caffeic acid, ferulic acid)Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)Essential oilsModern scientific research shows that asian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) components can offer very diverse benefits:Normal fluid drainage support: Studies show that certain components can stimulate normal kidney filtration and significantly increase normal urine production (strong diuretic action).Normal heat-dampness drainage: Protostane triterpenoids can address normal heat-dampness patterns by promoting normal urine production and normal bowel function.Normal kidney balance support: Studies suggest that certain components can support normal glomerular filtration and help protect normal kidney function.Normal cholesterol and lipid balance: Research shows that certain components can support normal blood lipid levels (normal fat metabolism balance).Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant action: Phenolic acids and flavonoids can help maintain normal inflammation balance and reduce normal oxidative stress.Normal metabolic health: Studies suggest that certain components can support normal glucose balance.Normal diarrhea support: Traditionally used for fluid-related diarrhea – likely by restoring normal fluid balance in intestines.Traditional Applications – TCM ContextIn traditional TCM formulas, asian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) is classically used in situations described as:Normal edema or normal fluid accumulation (especially legs, feet, abdomen)Normal difficult or painful urinary drainageNormal fluid-related abdominal distentionNormal heat-dampness diarrhea or normal summer diarrheaNormal vertigo/dizziness with fluid-accumulation characterNormal tinnitus (ear ringing) with kidney deficiency characterNormal night sweats or normal low-grade fever with damp characterNormal kidney stone prevention or normal normal urinary tract problemsNormal joint pain with damp characterNormal fluid-related weight gainThese are traditionalist descriptions that form part of the TCM thinking system and must not be equated with medical diagnoses in the sense of European medicinal product law.Cool and Fluid-Drainage-Promoting CharacterAsian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) is traditionally seen as a "cool" and "fluid-drainage-promoting" herb – which effectively addresses normal fluid-accumulation patterns without depleting normal body fluids.Classical Formula: Wu Ling SanA very famous classical application is in the formula "Wu Ling San" (Five-Ling Powder), traditionally used for over 1800 years for normal edema, normal urinary drainage problems and normal fluid-related symptoms. This very famous formula contains asian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) as one of the three core ingredients (known as "king ingredient").Other Classical Formulas:Ze Xie Tang: for normal vertigo caused by fluid accumulationWei Ling Tang: for normal fluid-related digestive weaknessJi Chuan Jian (contains asian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie): for normal constipation with kidney deficiency characterPreparation and DosageAsian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) is traditionally:Roasted before being used in formulas (strengthens diuretic effect)Traditional dosage: 6–10g per formulaUsed in formulas, can also be used as tea ingredientUsually used long-term (not for short period)CAUTION: NOT FOR CONSTIPATION OR PERSISTENT QI DEFICIENCYAsian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) must NOT be used when:Constipation is present (could worsen)Persistent normal energy deficiency without tonification supportPregnancy or lactation (except under professional supervision)Chronic normal kidney deficiency without tonification guidanceSeasonality and Daily UseAsian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) is traditionally used especially in warm seasons when fluid-accumulation symptoms worsen. It can be suitable for long-term seasonal use or as part of permanent fluid-balance support.Well-being and Daily UseAsian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) is highly valued by modern users as part of professional TCM formulas for normal fluid balance, normal kidney support and normal metabolic health. This herb is NOT suitable for independent daily standalone use without professional guidance.Many users see asian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) as part of long-term health practices – as a fluid-drainage-promoting element that preserves normal Yin, ALWAYS under the guidance of a qualified TCM doctor.Very Safe Profile (In Professional Formulas)Ze-xie is known as one of the safest fluid-draining herbs in TCM. It has minimal toxicity and is used for all adult age groups. Over 2000 years of experience use shows that asian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) is very well tolerated, even with long-term use.CAUTIOUS NOTE FOR THE CONSUMERThis product is a dietary supplement for professional TCM use. TCM terms such as Fluid Drainage, Normal Urine Promotion, Kidney Balance are system concepts that form part of a traditional thinking system and must not be directly equated with anatomical structures or disease explanations in modern medicine.If you have persistent fluid-accumulation problems, normal kidney deficiency concerns or normal urinary tract problems, you should always consult a qualified TCM doctor or medical expert BEFORE using this herb in formulas.Asian-water-plantain-rhizome (Ze-xie) is the classical "King of Fluid Drainers" – safe and very effective.