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Shennong Bencao Jing
019 / 030
Zexie (Water Plantain) — classical plate
Alismatis Rhizoma · Water Plantain Plate 019
Alismatis Rhizoma
泽泻 Zexie
Water Plantain
Rhizoma Alismatis Orientalis
Nature & FlavorSweet, bland; cold
ChannelsKidney, Bladder
Actions
Drains waterLeaches dampnessDischarges heatLowers lipids
Six ChannelsTaiyang water amassment, water and heat bound together
The ClassicThe original text

「味甘寒。主风寒湿痹，乳难，消水，养五脏，益气力，肥健。久服耳目聪明，不饥延年。」

Sweet in flavor, cold. It treats wind-cold-damp blockage, difficult lactation, dissolves water, nourishes the five organs, boosts qi and strength, and fattens and strengthens. Taken over a long time, the ears and eyes grow keen, hunger recedes and the years extend.

RootBro's note — In Wu Ling San, fuling, zexie and zhuling all drain water, each with its own emphasis: zexie leans toward clearing heat while draining, aimed at water-heat bound in the bladder; fuling fortifies the spleen and leaches dampness; zhuling simply promotes urination.
PhD InsightA systems-biology reading
Its key constituents, the alisol family of triterpenes, inhibit reabsorption of Na⁺ and water in the renal tubules — a diuretic effect — and also lower serum cholesterol.
Alisol B · 泽泻醇B
Inhibits renal tubular Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase → water and sodium reabsorption ↓ → diuresis. Also inhibits HMG-CoA reductase → cholesterol synthesis ↓ (a statin-like mechanism). This answers both 'dissolving water' and the ancient texts' 'fatten and strengthen' paradox.
How zexie 'drains water without injuring yin': unlike strong diuretics such as furosemide, alisols act gently, mainly on the distal renal tubules, without heavy potassium loss — matching the classical strategy of gentle regulation: 'promote urination to firm the stool.'
Logic PairingClassical pairings
Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria)Zexie Tang (Alisma Decoction)Zhuling Tang (Polyporus Decoction)Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill)
← Previous Huanglian · 黄连

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