Gansui is the root of the Euphorbiaceae plant Gansui. It is harvested, dried, and processed with vinegar after the stems and leaves wither in spring or autumn. Gansui has the effects of reducing swelling and detoxification, and can be used to treat edema symptoms of various diseases.
[Effects and Functions of Gansui]
1. Diuresis and Thirst Relief
It is used to treat edema, water retention, bloating, and pain in the ribs caused by water retention. It is often used in combination with Daji and Yuanhua, such as Shizao Tang; it can also be used alone in powdered form. Gansui has a strong diuretic effect, which can cause severe diarrhea and quickly eliminate the accumulated water from the body.
2. Reducing Swelling and Dispelling Masses
When applied externally, Gansui can treat abscesses and swollen toxins. It can be used as a powder mixed with water for external application, or combined with heat-clearing and detoxifying drugs to reduce abscesses and dispel masses.
[Diseases Treated by Gansui]
It is used to treat various types of edema, pleural effusion, ascites, excessive phlegm in epilepsy, abscesses, swelling and toxicity, bloating and fullness, dysentery, choking sensation in the diaphragm, and accumulations of phlegm and masses.
It can also be used in combination with other drugs to treat cirrhotic ascites, pleural effusion caused by exudative pleurisy, and edema caused by nephritis. There have been reports of its use in whooping cough, chronic lymphadenitis, intestinal obstruction, rheumatoid arthritis, mid-term abortion, pneumonia, hydrocele in children, etc.
[Medical Applications of Gansui]
Gansui Banxia Tang (from "Synopsis of the Golden Chamber") is used to treat patients with weak pulses and a desire to defecate. Even if the defecation is quick, there is still a persistent sensation of fullness below the heart, indicating the need to eliminate stagnant water. The formula consists of Gansui (large) 3 pieces, Banxia 12 pieces, Shaoyao 5 pieces, and Gancao (roasted, about the size of a finger) 1 piece. It is decocted in water and taken with honey. Gansui in the formula acts as a diuretic and eliminates water and stagnation, serving as the monarch drug.
[Contraindications of Gansui]
It should not be taken by those with qi deficiency, yin injury, weak spleen and stomach, and pregnant women.
It is incompatible with Yuanzhi and Gancao.
The maximum dosage for internal use should not exceed 3g.
