Alisma Orientalis (Ze Xie) supports urinary health, reduces dampness, and promotes water metabolism in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Learn benefits and uses.
Alisma Orientalis, commonly known as Ze Xie, is a foundational herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine used to promote healthy water metabolism, support kidney and bladder function, and reduce internal dampness. Often recommended in formulas that address urinary discomfort, water retention, and heat in the lower burner, this herb is trusted for its gentle yet effective action on the body’s fluid pathways. Whether used alone or as part of a balanced herbal blend, Alisma offers a time-tested approach to internal balance and healthy elimination.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Health Benefits | - Promotes healthy urination and water metabolism - Reduces water retention and bloating - Clears damp-heat from the lower body - Supports kidney and bladder health - Helps manage urinary discomfort and inflammation |
| Why It Works (Western View) | Alisma Orientalis contains triterpenes and polysaccharides that support kidney function and diuresis. Its natural compounds help flush excess fluid and support detoxification, making it useful in managing mild edema, urinary tract health, and inflammation. |
| Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective | In TCM, Ze Xie is classified as a water-draining herb that enters the Kidney and Bladder channels. It is used to: - Drain excess dampness - Clear damp-heat from the lower jiao (lower burner) - Promote urine flow and resolve stagnation caused by fluid accumulation. Ze Xie is often used in formulas for urinary tract infections, heat in the bladder, dizziness due to damp accumulation, or kidney yin deficiency with empty heat. |
| Who Should Use It | Individuals with water retention, lower body swelling, sluggish urination, or symptoms of damp-heat (e.g., cloudy urine, burning urination, bloating). It is also used in formulas for weight management and detox support. |
| Common Formula Pairings | - With Fu Ling (Poria): to enhance damp-draining effects - With Huang Bai (Phellodendron): for damp-heat in the lower burner - With Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia): in Liu Wei Di Huang Wan for kidney yin deficiency |
| Form Available | Dried herb (cut or powdered), granules, capsules, and traditional decoction formulas. Often included in blended herbal teas or tinctures. |
Common Names: Water Plantain, Alisma Plantain, American Water Plantain, Mad Dog Weed, Alismatis Rhizoma, Alisma Rhizome
Botanical Name: Alisma orientalis rhizome
Chinese / Pin Yin Name: Ze Xie
Alisma Dosage: Consult your healthcare professional for correct dosage.
Alisma Cautions: Do not if pregnant or nursing. Do not use if dehydrated. Do not use in case of damp cold. Avoid in cases of excessive urination, dehydration, or yang deficiency unless guided by a practitioner. Always consult a licensed herbalist or healthcare provider for proper use.
Traditionally Alisma was used to promote diuresis, drain dampness and purge heat. Alisma is collected in the winter, once the stems have withered. Alisma contains antibacterial, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties.
| Method | Instructions | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herbal Decoction (Tea) | Boil 1–2 tsp dried Alisma root in 2 cups water for 15–20 minutes. Strain and drink warm, 1–2 times daily. | Promoting urination, clearing dampness | How to make Alisma tea, Ze Xie decoction for water retention |
| Powdered Extract | Take 1–3 grams with warm water, or as advised by your practitioner. | Convenient daily kidney/bladder support | Alisma powder dosage, Ze Xie powder for kidney health |
| Encapsulated Supplement | Take 1–2 capsules (500 mg each) 1–3x/day with meals, or as advised by your practitioner. | Travel, long-term urinary system support | Alisma capsules, Ze Xie supplement for bladder function |
| Tincture (Liquid Extract) | Use 1–2 dropperfuls in water or tea, 1–3 times per day, or as advised by your practitioner. | Fast absorption, UTI support | Alisma tincture dosage, Ze Xie extract for urination |
| Herbal Formula / Blend | Combine with Fu Ling, Huang Bai, or Shu Di Huang in TCM formulas. | Kidney yin deficiency, complex urinary issues | Ze Xie herbal formula, Alisma combination uses |
| Topical Compress (Rare) | Steep herb, soak cloth in warm infusion, apply to swollen area. | Localized swelling or fluid retention | Alisma topical use, Ze Xie compress for edema |
| In Soups or Broths | Add dried Ze Xie to soups for long-term water metabolism support. | Gentle fluid regulation through food | Alisma in soup, cook with Ze Xie for kidney support |
Alisma Properties: Sweet, Bland, Cold
Alisma Channels / Meridians: Kidney, Bladder
Ze Xie Herb Category: Drains Dampness
Naturally Occurring Compounds in Alisma: Alisol A monoacetate, Alisol A monoacetate,Alisol B monoacetate, Alisol C acetate, Epi-alisol A, 24-Acetyl alisol A, 23-Acetylalisol B, 23-Acetyl alisol C. Contains alisol A and B, triterpenoids, and polysaccharides known for diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and liver-supportive activity.
Coix Seed Huai Niu Xi Shi Chang Pu Dong Quai
References:
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Ze-Xie-Cid1345
https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/ZeXie.html
https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/alisma
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6582889/
http://alternativehealing.org/alisma_orientale.htm
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/water-plantain/
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