Alisma orientale is an emergent aquatic herbaceous perennial in the Alismataceae, native to eastern Asia including China, Korea, Japan and the Russian Far East, where it grows in shallow water at the margins of ponds, ditches, marshes and slow-flowing streams. Plants arise from a short, fleshy, globose to ovoid corm-like rhizome and reach 50-100 cm tall in flower. The long-petiolate basal leaves are ovate to lanceolate with rounded or shallowly cordate bases, parallel-curving venation and bright green, glossy blades held above the water surface. In summer the species produces a tall, much-branched, whorled pyramidal panicle of small white to pale pinkish flowers, each with three rounded petals and six stamens. The flowers are followed by flattened, ridged achenes arranged in a ring. The species is cultivated for medicine in Fujian and Sichuan, the rhizomes being lifted in winter, peeled and dried.

Dosage

Form	Amount	Frequency	Duration	Population	Notes
decoction	9-15g	Daily	—	—	—

Cultural & Historical Context

Traditional Chinese Uses

Ze Xie (water plantain rhizome) is a cold, sweet herb with a focused and reliable diuretic action. It promotes urination and drains Damp-Heat from the Bladder and Kidneys, addressing urinary difficulty, urinary tract infections, and edema from fluid accumulation. It also has an important secondary action of clearing Kidney Fire to relieve the hot, steaming sensations of Kidney deficiency with Fire. In modern Chinese medicine, it is commonly used to support healthy cholesterol and blood lipid levels.

Traditional American Uses

None Documented

Important Disclaimer

This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.

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