Drain damp
Ze Xie
泽泻
Alisma rhizome
Alisma plantago-aquatica
Drains damp from the lower body and is said to settle ministerial fire.
Not for self-dosing. This page is not a formula, not a strength, and not a substitute for a licensed herbalist or physician.
Category
Cold · Sweet, Bland
Meridians entered
Traditional uses
A water-plant rhizome used for urinary damp and for a heavy, wet lower body. Colder than Fu Ling. Often sits in kidney-yin formulas so the rich tonics do not feel cloying.
Common pairings
- Fu Ling 茯苓
Two bland drainers. Fu Ling is broader, Ze Xie more downward.
- Shu Di Huang 熟地黄
In Liu Wei Di Huang Wan the rich root is paired with Ze Xie so the formula still moves water.
Cautions
Not for self-dosing. Not a diuretic to combine with water pills. Care in pregnancy.
Points with a similar aim
Yin Mound Spring
Inner knee hollow taught for damp and heaviness.
San Jiao Shu
San Jiao transport point at the low ribs.
Use caution
Bladder Shu
Sacral bladder shu. Learn it; don’t self-treat urinary infection.
Use caution
Returning Current
Just above the inner ankle, along the Achilles.
Spring at the Crook
Inner knee crease, the sea point of the Liver.
Central Pole
Low midline, bladder alarm point. Avoid in pregnancy.
Traditionally avoided in pregnancy