Many people may not be familiar with Gan Sui, mainly because it is not commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is mostly used for clearing heat and promoting water diuresis, treating carbuncles and painful swelling. However, it is worth mentioning that Gan Sui is a small toxic herb and should be used with extra caution!
【Medicinal Uses of Gan Sui】
1. Diuretic and Relieves Water Retention
It is used to treat edema, water retention, bloating, and rib pain caused by water stagnation in the body. It is often used in combination with Da Ji (Euphorbia) and Yuan Hua (Genkwa), such as in the Shizao Tang decoction. It can also be used alone in powder form. Gan Sui has a strong diuretic effect and can cause severe diarrhea, effectively eliminating excess water retention in the body.
2. Reduces Swelling and Resolves Masses
Gan Sui can be applied externally to treat carbuncles and swelling. The powdered Gan Sui can be mixed with water for external application. It can also be used in combination with heat-clearing and detoxifying herbs to reduce swelling and resolve masses.
【Applications of Gan Sui in Prescriptions】
1. Prescription: Da Huang 120g, Gan Sui 60g, Ejiao 60g. Cook the above ingredients with 750ml of water until reduced to 250ml. Take it all at once. This prescription is used for women who have abdominal distension, difficult urination but not thirsty, especially after giving birth. It is used when water and blood are both stagnated in the blood chamber.
2. Prescription: Mix powdered Gan Sui with raw flour paste and apply it to the navel and lower abdomen. Use moxibustion three times, and drink Gan Cao Tang (Licorice decoction) to promote bowel movements. This prescription is used for constipation.
【Precautions】
1. Raw Gan Sui is toxic and usually needs to be processed with vinegar before use. The ratio of raw Gan Sui to vinegar should be 10:3.
2. According to the "Eighteen Combinations and Nineteen Incompatibilities" in traditional Chinese medicine, Gan Sui should not be taken with Gan Cao (Licorice).
3. Raw Gan Sui is one of the 28 toxic medicinal materials under special management by the government. It should not be used without the guidance of a qualified physician.
