Ingredient Name: Rhizoma Alismatis, Water Plantain Tuber
Traditional Chinese Name: 泽泻 (zé xiè)
What is this?
- A tuber used in traditional chinese medicine for its “cold” properties
- It is harvested in the winter and, after removing the roots and bark, it is soaked in water, cut into slices and dried in the sun
- It has a bland, slightly sweet taste
How do I prepare it?
- Soak for one hour, rinse in water and put directly into your soup.
Where can I buy this?
- You can buy this from asian dried herb shops and some asian supermarkets.
What is the cost?
- This is a relatively inexpensive ingredient and costs under $2 CAD for the amount pictured above.
Any benefits?
- Used to induce diuresis and excrete dampness
- It is “cold” and excellent for clearing heat and removing fire
- Typically used for urinary disorders
- Used to treat edema in the legs
- Considered helpful in lowering elevated cholesterol levels
- Can be used to balance “heaty” foods or herbs in the same soup or dish.
Any precautions?
- Consuming too much or too frequently may result in electrolyte imbalance, vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain
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