Gān Suì (甘遂) — Kansui root
On this page
- Overview
- Properties
- Actions and indications
- Key formulas
- Modern research
- Incompatibilities
- Cautions and contraindications
- Treatment at my clinic
1. Overview
Gān Suì (甘遂) — Euphorbia kansui — is known in English as Kansui root. It belongs to the category of toxic herbs that drive out water in the Chinese Materia Medica and is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and within tailored prescriptions in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
I prescribe Gān Suì as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan — independently tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Herbs are never prescribed individually outside a properly balanced formula; they are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.
2. Properties
| Pinyin name | Gān Suì |
|---|---|
| Chinese characters | 甘遂 |
| Latin name | Euphorbia kansui |
| English name | Kansui root |
| Nature | Cold |
| Flavour | Bitter; toxic |
| Channels entered | Lung, Kidney, Large Intestine |
| Category | Drain downward |
3. Actions and indications
Principal actions
- Drives out water and drains downward
- Reduces severe fluid accumulation and swelling
Indications
- Historically used for severe ascites and pleural fluid accumulation
4. Key formulas containing Gān Suì
Gān Suì is an ingredient in a number of classical formulas. The following are among the most important:
See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 332 classical formulas.
5. Modern research
Kansui contains diterpene esters that are severely irritant to the gastrointestinal tract. It causes violent purgation, dehydration and electrolyte disturbance, and overdose can be fatal.
6. Incompatibilities
The classical Ming-dynasty texts Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) and Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions) record herb pairs that should not be combined. Modern practitioners treat these as strong cautions rather than absolute contraindications.
The drastic water-draining herbs Gan Sui, Yuan Hua and Da Ji are classically incompatible with Gan Cao under the Shi Ba Fan, and Ba Dou with Qian Niu Zi. Since Gān Suì is not used in practice, the question does not arise clinically.
7. Cautions and contraindications
Toxic and not used in routine practice. It is classically incompatible with Gan Cao under the Shi Ba Fan, and is contraindicated in pregnancy and in weak patients. Ascites and pleural effusion require urgent conventional medical care.
Pattern contraindications
No outpatient pattern justifies its use.
Modern drug interactions
No specific drug interactions are well established for Gān Suì at normal prescribed doses. As with all Chinese herbs, tell your herbalist about every prescribed medication so the formula can be reviewed for interactions and adjusted where necessary.
Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM and the British Acupuncture Council with over 25 years of clinical experience.
8. Availability at my clinic
I do not prescribe Gān Suì. Fluid accumulation of this severity is a medical emergency requiring hospital care. This page is for reference only.
Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available for patients throughout the UK and internationally, with herbs dispensed by post. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.
Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
