How effective is Alisma (Zexie) in removing dampness?

Aug 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Alisma (泽泻) has a relatively significant effect in removing dampness, particularly in improving discomfort caused by internal retention of water-dampness. When dampness is primarily characterized as water-dampness, manifesting as symptoms such as limb edema and impaired urination, Alisma can promote the elimination of water-dampness through its diuretic and dampness-resolving actions. When used in combination with herbs like Poria (茯苓) and Atractylodes macrocephala (白术), its dampness-resolving effect is enhanced, leading to quicker relief from discomfort such as edema and abdominal distention.

Generally, Alisma (Zexie) has a relatively significant effect in removing dampness, especially in improving discomfort caused by internal accumulation of water-dampness. However, its effect is limited when used alone and should be combined according to specific conditions. Detailed analysis is as follows:

When dampness is primarily due to water retention, manifesting as limb edema, difficulty in urination, and other symptoms, Alisma can promote the elimination of dampness through its diuretic and dampness-resolving effects. When combined with herbs like Poria (Fuling) and Atractylodes (Baizhu), its dampness-removing action can be enhanced, thereby more effectively relieving discomfort such as edema and abdominal distension.

If dampness is combined with factors such as damp-heat or spleen deficiency, using Alisma alone may have a weak effect in resolving dampness and may not adequately address dampness accumulation caused by dysfunction of the spleen's transformation and transportation functions. Long-term use alone may also impair the body's normal defenses. In such cases, it should be combined with herbs that clear heat and strengthen the spleen to comprehensively regulate dampness-related issues.

Alisma should be used under professional guidance, with proper dosage and treatment duration to avoid prolonged self-administration. If symptoms such as fatigue or dry mouth occur after taking the herb, usage should be stopped immediately and professional advice sought, with adjustments made to the treatment plan according to individual constitution.

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What is the best and fastest medicine for removing dampness?

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as "what medicine is best and fastest for removing dampness." If you wish to eliminate dampness, medications such as Huoxiang Zhengqi Shui (Agastache fortunei liquid), Shenling Baizhu San (Codonopsis and Atractylodes powder), Pingwei San (Regulating Stomach Powder), Wuling San (Poria and泽泻 Powder), and Er Miao Wan (Two Marvels Pills) may be taken under a doctor's guidance. Eliminating dampness requires syndrome differentiation to select appropriate medications, as different syndromes call for different treatments. Blindly taking medicine may worsen the condition. It is recommended to use these medicines under the guidance of a TCM practitioner.

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What are the functions and effects of Gentiana scabra (Dragon胆草)?

Under normal circumstances, the main functions and effects of Gentiana (Long Dan Cao) include clearing heat and removing dampness, purging fire from the liver and gallbladder, relieving bitter taste in the mouth, improving red eyes, and assisting in reducing jaundice. Gentiana is usually administered by oral intake of decoction, and the dosage should be controlled according to a physician's instructions. Due to its cold nature and bitter taste, it is contraindicated for individuals with spleen-stomach deficiency cold or without excess heat and dampness, to avoid damaging the spleen-stomach yang qi and causing discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.

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What foods help remove dampness?

Under normal circumstances, consuming foods such as Poria (Fu Ling), red adzuki beans (Chi Xiao Dou), Gorgon fruit (Qian Shi), winter melon peel (Dong Gua Pi), and stir-fried hyacinth bean (Chao Bian Dou) may help remove dampness from the body. If you have a need to eliminate dampness, it is recommended to conduct dietary adjustments under the guidance of a healthcare professional. In daily life, in addition to dietary regulation, you can also appropriately increase physical exercise, such as jogging or practicing Tai Chi, to promote blood circulation and assist in expelling dampness from the body.

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How to Remove Dampness, What Are the Most Effective Methods

Consuming more ingredients that strengthen the spleen and resolve dampness, such as coix seed, red beans, poria, winter melon, and Chinese yam, can be beneficial. These ingredients can be prepared as porridge or soup. At the same time, avoid raw, cold, sweet, greasy, and fatty foods to reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach, thus addressing the root cause of dampness formation internally. Consistently engage in moderate-intensity exercises, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, and rope skipping.