This product is the tuber of Alisma (Alisma orientalis (Sam.) Juzep.), a perennial marsh plant of the Alismataceae family. It is mainly produced in Fujian, Sichuan, Jiangxi, and other regions. The tubers are harvested in winter when the stems and leaves begin to wither, washed, dried over a low flame, and then the fibrous roots and coarse skin are removed. They are then moistened with water, sliced, and sun-dried. It is used after stir-frying with bran or saltwater. This product is also known as Jian Alisma.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Sweet and bland, cold. Act on kidney and bladder meridians.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Promoting urination and draining dampness, clearing heat.

bubble_chart Indications

Used for edema, dysuria, diarrhea, leukorrhea, and phlegm-fluid retention. This product has a mild diuretic effect, and its water-draining effect is stronger than Poria. Moreover, its cold nature can clear heat from the kidneys and bladder, making it particularly suitable for dampness-heat in the lower energizer. It is often used in combination with Polyporus, Poria, and Coix Seed. For vertigo caused by phlegm-fluid retention due to water-dampness, it can be combined with White Atractylodes Rhizome in formulations such as Alisma Decoction.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Rihuazi Bencao: "Mainly treats dizziness and tinnitus."
2. Bencao Mengquan: "Taking too much Alisma can cause blurred vision, but taking it in large amounts can also improve vision. Why is this? It benefits by draining stagnant water and removing impurities, thus improving vision; however, excessive urination can lead to kidney qi deficiency, causing blurred vision. These two effects must be understood."
3. Bencao Gangmu: "Eliminates dampness and heat, resolves phlegm-fluid retention, stops vomiting, treats diarrhea, hernia pain, and beriberi." " Zhongjing's Rehmannia pill uses Poria and Alisma to drain pathogenic qi from the bladder, not as a guide."

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

Decoct and take 5-10g.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

Alisma primarily contains triterpenoids, volatile oils, alkaloids, Asparagus Root resin, etc. It has significant diuretic effects, increasing urine output, and the excretion of urea and chlorides, with a more pronounced diuretic effect in patients with nephritis. It also has antihypertensive and hypoglycemic effects, as well as anti-fatty liver properties. It exhibits inhibitory effects against Staphylococcus aureus, Diplococcus pneumoniae, and subcutaneous node bacilli.