Alisma Root Chinese Herb

Alisma Root (Ze Xie): A Draining Herb for Dampness, Urination, and Fluid Metabolism

Introduction

Alisma root, known as Ze Xie (泽泻) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a key herb for promoting urination, draining dampness, and regulating fluid balance in the body. With its sweet, bland, and cold nature, Ze Xie is especially helpful for conditions like edema, urinary difficulty, dizziness from fluid accumulation, and heat in the lower burner. Whether used alone or as part of classic damp-resolving formulas, it provides a gentle but effective cleansing action.

What Is Alisma Root?

Ze Xie refers to the rhizome of Alisma orientale, a water-loving plant commonly found in East Asia. In TCM, it is classified as sweet, bland, and cold, entering the Kidney and Bladder meridians. Traditionally, Alisma root is used to promote water metabolism, eliminate dampness, clear ministerial fire from the Kidneys, and treat symptoms caused by fluid retention or internal heat accumulation.

Health Benefits of Alisma Root

Promotes Urination and Resolves Dampness
Ze Xie gently encourages the elimination of excess water, relieving swelling, edema, and urinary difficulty.

Drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
It is often used for damp-heat symptoms like cloudy urine, painful urination, and lower abdominal fullness.

Regulates Fluid Metabolism and Reduces Dizziness
By draining excessive fluids, it helps relieve dizziness, vertigo, and heavy-headedness due to phlegm-damp obstruction.

Clears Deficiency Fire from Kidneys
Alisma is included in formulas that clear heat signs like night sweats, tinnitus, or heat sensations linked to Kidney yin deficiency.

Supports Weight and Fluid Balance
By enhancing water metabolism, it can assist in weight regulation when dampness and water retention are contributing factors.

How to Use Alisma Root

In Herbal Decoctions for Dampness and Urination
Simmer 6–12 grams of sliced Ze Xie with other draining herbs like poria, plantain seed, or atractylodes for 30–45 minutes.

In Traditional Damp-Resolving Formulas
Commonly included in formulas such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Wu Ling San for balancing fluids and clearing excess dampness.

In Daily Teas for Fluid Balance
Alisma can be lightly simmered into tea blends with barley, poria, and mulberry leaf for gentle daily detox support.

Where to Buy Alisma Root

You can find Ze Xie at the following places:

• Chinese herbal medicine shops

• Asian apothecaries and herbal markets

• Online retailers such as Amazon, iHerb, or TCM specialty stores

Look for:

• Thin, white to pale yellow dried slices

• Clean, uniform pieces without mold or excessive dust

• Organic or pesticide-free certification when available

Are There Any Side Effects?

Alisma root is very safe when used properly. Due to its cold and draining properties, it may aggravate diarrhea, cold abdominal pain, or digestive weakness in sensitive individuals. Best avoided in cases of Spleen deficiency with diarrhea unless balanced with warming herbs.

Conclusion

Alisma root, or Ze Xie, is a fundamental herb in TCM for draining dampness, promoting urination, clearing heat, and supporting fluid metabolism. Whether brewed into teas or included in classical formulas, its cooling, balancing properties make it an essential remedy for fluid and heat-related disorders.

FAQs

Can I take Alisma root every day?
Yes, moderate use is safe for dampness or water retention, but long-term use should be monitored if digestion is weak.

What does Alisma root taste like?
It has a bland, slightly sweet taste with a refreshing and cleansing effect when brewed.

Is Alisma root safe for children?
Yes, in small amounts under professional guidance, particularly for urinary or damp-related conditions.