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Alisma (ze xie)
What is alisma? What is it used for?
Alisma is a water plant found throughout the marshlands of
Asia. Also known as the Oriental water plantain, alisma stands
approximately three inches in height and 1-2 inches in diameter,
with raised fibrous roots that are tuberous in appearance.
It has a slight odor and a slightly bitter taste. The roots
are used in herbal remedies, and are prepared by soaking the
rhizome in water, they cutting it into thick slices and drying
it in the sun.
Many of alisma's uses center around the urinary system. It
is often used by obese people to help remove water weight,
or by people who have urinary infections or difficulty urinating.
It is also used to help the prostate gland function properly
and to improve urinary function.
How much alisma should I take?
The amount of alisma to be taken depends on the condition
being treated. Some practitioners recommend 6-9 grams of dried
alisma root placed in water as a decoction. For fluid retention
and dizziness, some herbalists combine alisma with atractylodes
in a decoction. For diarrhea, some practitioners suggest using
alisma along with atractylodes, moutan and polyporus.
What forms of alisma are available?
Sliced, dried alisma root can be found at Asian markets and
some specialty food stores.
What can happen if I take too much
alisma? Are there any interactions I should be aware of? What
precautions should I take?
Because alisma is used to promote urination, it should not
be taken by patients who are dehydrated or have difficulty
retaining fluid. As of this writing, there are no known drug
interactions with alisma. As always, make sure to consult
with a qualified health care provider before taking alisma
or any other herbal product or supplement.
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References
- Hsu HY, Hsu CS. Commonly Used Chinese
Herb Formulas with Illustrations. Long Beach, CA: Oriental
Healing Arts Institute, 1980 (revised).
- Shibata Y, Wu J. Kampo Treatment for
Climacteric Disorders. Brookline, MA: Paradigm Publications,
1997.
- Yuang Z, Feng J. Treatment of systemic
lupus erythematosus with compound qinjiao tablet
and minimum dose of prednisone. Chinese Journal of Integrated
Traditional and Western Medicine 1989;9(3):156-157.
- Zhang J. Prostatitis and traditional Chinese
medicine. International Journal of Oriental Medicine
1992; 17(2): 112-113.
- Zhou Z, Jin H. Clinical Manual of Chinese
Herbal Medicine and Acupuncture. London: Churchill-Livingstone,
1997.
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