Ze Xie promotes diuresis and clears heat, with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and hypoglycemic effects. However, due to its toxicity, it is not widely used. Today, we will introduce the cultivation and usage of Ze Xie!
Cultivation Environment
Ze Xie is produced in Heilongjiang, Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Xinjiang, Yunnan, and other places. It is also distributed in the former Soviet Union, Japan, Europe, North America, Oceania, and other regions. The best cultivation areas are Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Sichuan.
It grows on the edge of swamps. It prefers warm and humid climates. The seedlings like shade, while the mature plants prefer sunlight. It is afraid of cold. It can be cultivated in areas below 800m above sea level, preferably with ample sunlight.
It requires soil rich in humus and slightly sticky, as well as reliable water sources. It is not suitable for planting in sandy soil or cold-temperature submerged fields. Rice or medium rice is suitable as the previous crop.
Modern Applications
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that Ze Xie has a cold nature and can promote diuresis and reduce dampness. Modern medical research shows that Ze Xie can lower serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and slow down the formation of atherosclerosis.
Ze Xie and its preparations are also used in modern medicine to treat inner ear dizziness, lipid disorders, nocturnal emission, fatty liver, and diabetes.
However, Ze Xie has hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Improper use can cause swelling of the liver and kidneys, as well as other symptoms of poisoning.
Prescription Applications
Prescription for Ze Xie powder: 30g of Ze Xie, 30g of Sanggen Baipi (coarsely ground), 30g of Mutong (coarsely ground), 30g of Zhike (lightly fried to yellow, remove the pith), 30g of Chi Fuling, and 30g of Binglang.
Usage: Grind the herbs into a coarse powder. Take 12g of the powder, add 300ml of water and 4g of fresh ginger. Boil until 180ml of liquid remains, remove the dregs, and take it warm before meals. The desired effect is a slight diuretic effect.
Functions: Treats pregnancy-induced qi stagnation, bloating in the abdomen, shortness of breath, difficult bowel movements, and painful urination.
