Ze Xie Tang, a traditional Chinese medicine formula, is derived from the book "Synopsis of the Golden Chamber". It has the effects of promoting diuresis and relieving edema, strengthening the spleen and eliminating water. It is mainly used to treat water stagnation in the lower part of the body, failure of clear yang to rise, invasion of turbid yin, dizziness, and is currently used for vertigo caused by ear disorders.
[Composition of the Formula]
5 liang of Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome), 2 liang of Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes Rhizome).
[Functions and Indications]
Ze Xie Tang has the effects of promoting diuresis and relieving edema, strengthening the spleen and eliminating water. It is mainly used to treat water stagnation in the lower part of the body, failure of clear yang to rise, invasion of turbid yin, dizziness caused by ear disorders.
[Administration and Dosage]
Take the above two ingredients, add 2 liters of water, boil and reduce to 1 liter, and take it warm.
[Explanation of the Formula]
The combination of Ze Xie and Bai Zhu in Ze Xie Tang aims to eliminate dampness and promote diuresis, allowing the accumulated fluid to be excreted through urination. It also aims to strengthen the spleen and prevent the re-accumulation of water dampness.
Gao Xueshan describes this as "Ze Xie promotes diuresis and drains it into the canal, Bai Zhu consolidates the earth and prevents it from overflowing the embankment," which is quite appropriate.
[Introduction to Medicinal Materials]
Ze Xie: It promotes diuresis, drains dampness, clears heat, and reduces turbidity and blood lipids. It is used for urinary difficulty, edema, diarrhea with scanty urine, dizziness caused by phlegm and fluid retention, hot and painful urination, and hyperlipidemia.
Bai Zhu: It strengthens the spleen, boosts qi, dries dampness, promotes diuresis, stops sweating, and stabilizes the fetus. It is used for spleen deficiency with poor appetite, abdominal distension and diarrhea, dizziness and palpitations caused by phlegm and fluid retention, edema, spontaneous sweating, and restless fetus.
[Clinical Applications]
1. Supportive edema
Ms. Guan, female, coughs up foam, has been suffering from it for many years, and it worsens every winter. She experiences dizziness and vomiting when the symptoms worsen, has dry stools, and urinates less. She also feels chest fullness when coughing.
This is a case of supportive edema, and Ze Xie Tang is suitable: 1-3 qian (3-9 grams) of Ze Xie, 6 qian (18 grams) of Bai Zhu. After taking one dose, the patient experiences smooth urination and relief from coughing. After taking it continuously for 5 doses, the symptoms are completely relieved.
2. Hidden edema and dizziness
Mr. Chen, 51 years old, is not yet old but has had erectile dysfunction for many years. He experiences dizziness and confusion, and feels as if there is greasy substance in his chest. Drinking water makes his stomach uncomfortable, which indicates hidden edema and dizziness.
First, use Bai Zhu Ze Xie Tang to address his edema. Then, consider treating his damp-heat erectile dysfunction. It is inappropriate to use Shu Di Huang for a condition with rapid and thin pulses. Use 2 liang (60 grams) of Bai Zhu, 2 liang of Ze Xie, boil with three cups of water, and divide into three doses. After the first dose, the symptoms are relieved but not completely eliminated. After taking the original formula for about ten doses, the symptoms are completely cured.
3. Edema
Ms. Wang, 60 years old, has had edema for more than two years. It is sometimes mild and sometimes severe. The edema is first observed in the eyelids in the morning and worsens in the lower extremities in the evening. Pressing on the edema leaves a pit that is slow to recover. She also experiences dizziness, blurred vision, poor appetite, and fatigue in the limbs. Her tongue coating is white and slippery, and her pulse is deep and thin. This is a case of spleen deficiency and failure to transform water dampness.
The treatment principle is to strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness, which is the main function of Ze Xie Tang. Use 45 grams of fried Bai Zhu and 30 grams of Ze Xie, decocted once daily. After taking it continuously for 5 doses, the edema gradually disappears. After taking the original formula for 10 more doses, the dizziness subsides and the appetite improves, and the pulse and tongue coating return to normal.
