Ze Xie is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for clearing heat and reducing swelling. It has excellent diuretic effects, especially when combined with other types of Chinese herbs for treating diseases. However, there are also many contraindications when using Ze Xie!
【Medicinal Value of Ze Xie】
Ze Xie has the effects of promoting water infiltration, eliminating heat, and promoting urination. It is mainly used for treating difficulty in urination, hot and painful urination. Ze Xie produced in winter has the greatest diuretic efficacy, while Ze Xie produced in spring has slightly lower efficacy. Ze Xie roots (non-viable seedlings) and Ze Xie produced in spring have no diuretic effect.
Different processing methods also yield different diuretic effects. Raw Ze Xie, wine-baked Ze Xie, and bran-baked Ze Xie all have certain diuretic effects, while salt-processed Ze Xie has no effect. However, in Wu Ling San (a combination of Ze Xie, Fu Ling, Bai Zhu, and Gui Zhi in a ratio of 4:3:3:2), both raw Ze Xie and salt-processed Ze Xie show diuretic effects.
Healthy individuals who take Ze Xie decoction orally can increase urine output, sodium and urea excretion.
【Application of Ze Xie Prescription】
Prescription name: Ze Xie San (Ze Xie Powder)
Composition: 30g of Ze Xie, 30g of Mulberry Root Bark (filed), 30g of Akebia Stem (filed), 30g of Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (fried with bran, slightly yellow, and pitted), 30g of Poria Cocos, 30g of Areca Nut.
Preparation method: Grind the ingredients into coarse powder.
Functions and indications: Treats pregnancy-induced qi stagnation, bloating in the abdomen, shortness of breath, difficult bowel movements, and painful urination.
Dosage and administration: Take 12g per dose, add 300ml of water and 4g of fresh ginger, decoct until 180ml, remove residue, and take it warm before meals. The desired effect is slightly diuretic.
【Side Effects of Ze Xie】
Ze Xie has hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Its side effects mainly manifest as swelling of the liver and kidneys and other symptoms of toxicity if taken improperly.
In addition, Ze Xie contains zeaxanthin substances, which can cause decreased appetite and increased bowel sounds. The stimulating substances in it can cause gastroenteritis when taken orally.
After taking a large dose, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, increased number of bowel movements, abnormal liver function, hematuria, and in severe cases, respiratory paralysis can occur.
It can also cause rash, itching, and if used topically, it can cause foaming dermatitis. Long-term use can lead to water and electrolyte imbalances and damage to the liver and kidneys.
