Gansui, distributed in mainland China including Gansu, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Ningxia, Henan, etc., is the rhizome of Euphorbiaceae plant Gansui. It has the effects of purging water, dispersing swelling, and resolving masses. It is mainly used to treat edema, ascites, retention of fluid, chest congestion, epilepsy, cough, dysuria, and other conditions.
Diuretic and Dehumidifying
Gansui has a bitter taste and can reduce diarrhea. The root medicine mainly sinks downward and is related to the regulation of the transformation of water and fluid by the lung, spleen, and kidney meridians. Therefore, its function is to specifically promote water purging and dehumidification. It is commonly used for edema and obstruction caused by excessive water dampness, as well as for urinary and bowel problems.
Dispersing Swelling and Resolving Masses
Gansui has a bitter yet sweet taste and a cold and toxic nature. Bitterness can reduce dampness, coldness can clear heat and purge fire, and toxicity can counteract toxins. Therefore, when applied topically, it has the function of dispersing swelling and resolving masses, and can be used for various conditions such as abscesses, pain, and swelling.
Resolving Phlegm
Gansui has a bitter taste and a cold nature. It can reduce dampness and heat, and when it enters the spleen and lung meridians, it can control the source of phlegm and regulate the phlegm mechanism. It can remove phlegm and water, making it an important medicine for purging phlegm and resolving retention of fluid. It is suitable for conditions with excessive phlegm and cough.
Relieving Pain
Gansui is good at purging water dampness from meridians and channels and has a sweet taste, which can also relieve spasms and urgency. Therefore, when applied topically, it has the function of relieving pain, especially suitable for conditions where phlegm and dampness block meridians and cause numbness and pain in the limbs.
Treating Snake Venom
Gansui has a bitter, cold, and toxic nature. It can not only clear heat and detoxify but also use toxicity to counteract toxins. Therefore, when applied topically, it can treat snake bites.
