Ze Xie-Asian Water Plantain Rhizome-Rhizoma Alismatis

Ze Xie, known as Alisma orientale, is a dampness-draining and water-metabolism-regulating herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is commonly used to promote urination, clear heat, reduce edema, and support kidney health. Ze Xie is frequently prescribed for conditions such as urinary difficulty, fluid retention, dizziness, high cholesterol, and kidney-related heat syndromes.

Functions & Benefits

Drains Dampness and Promotes Urination
Effectively treats edema, urinary retention, and difficulty urinating caused by damp accumulation.

Clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao
Used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), burning urination, and excessive vaginal discharge related to damp-heat.

Reduces Dizziness and Clears Turbid Dampness
Helps with vertigo, dizziness, and sluggishness caused by damp stagnation affecting the Spleen and Kidneys.

Supports Kidney Function and Reduces Heat
Traditionally used for kidney-related heat syndromes, night sweats, and excessive thirst.

Indications
Individuals experiencing edema, urinary difficulty, or fluid retention
People suffering from UTIs, frequent burning urination, or damp-heat in the lower body
Patients with dizziness, vertigo, or foggy-headedness caused by dampness accumulation
Those with kidney Yin deficiency symptoms such as night sweats or excessive thirst

Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Greasy yellow or white coating (indicating damp accumulation)
Pulse: Slippery and rapid (suggesting damp-heat)

Common TCM Patterns Treated by Ze Xie
Damp Accumulation in the Lower Jiao – Urinary difficulty, edema, bloating
Damp-Heat in the Urinary Bladder – UTIs, burning urination, excess vaginal discharge
Turbid Dampness Obstructing the Middle Burner – Dizziness, vertigo, sluggish digestion

Precautions & Contraindications
Not suitable for individuals with excessive urination or weak Kidney Yang.
Avoid use in cases of severe deficiency with cold symptoms.
Use with caution in pregnancy due to its strong draining properties.

Conclusion
Ze Xie is a potent dampness-draining and urination-promoting herb in TCM, valued for its ability to clear heat, support kidney health, reduce edema, and alleviate urinary difficulties. Its strong water-regulating effects make it essential for damp-heat conditions, kidney imbalances, and fluid retention disorders.