Zé Xiè (泽泻) — Water Plantain Rhizome (Alisma)

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Zé Xiè (泽泻) — Alisma plantago-aquatica — is known in English as Water plantain rhizome / Alisma. It belongs to the category of Herbs that drain Dampness in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the most important and widely prescribed herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine both as a component of classical herbal formulas and as a significant individual herb in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Zé Xiè 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

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Promotes urination and drains Dampness
2. Clears Kidney Fire and drains Heat
3. Drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Jiao

Indications

1. Oedema, urinary difficulty and accumulation of fluids
2. Damp-Heat in the Lower Jiao — urinary tract infections, leucorrhoea and turbid urine
3. Dizziness and vertigo from water accumulation (Phlegm-fluid in the Middle Jiao)
4. Kidney Fire with spermatorrhoea — clears Fire without damaging the Kidney Yin
5. Elevated cholesterol and triglycerides (modern application)
6. Component of the Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Formula — counterbalances the enriching nature of the tonic herbs

4. Key formulas containing Zé Xiè

Zé Xiè is an ingredient in many classical formulas. The following are among the most important:

• Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
• Wu Ling San
• Zhu Ling Tang

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Alisma plantago-aquatica (Ze Xie) has been the subject of significant modern pharmacological research. Key bioactive constituents include triterpenoids (alisol A, B, C and their acetates), polysaccharides and alkaloids. Research demonstrates diuretic effects, lipid-lowering activity (reducing total cholesterol, LDL and triglycerides), anti-atherosclerotic effects, anti-inflammatory properties and anti-diabetic effects through improvement of insulin resistance. Alisol B 23-acetate has been shown to inhibit lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, supporting its use in fatty liver disease. Research on Ze Xie in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has shown promising results.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Avoid prolonged high-dose use as it may damage Kidney Yin. Contraindicated in patients with Kidney deficiency without Damp-Heat. Generally safe at standard formulary doses where it is combined with tonic herbs.

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.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Zé Xiè as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Fatty liver, Urinary tract infections, High blood pressure. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. 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.