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Photograph of Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz. (Alisma Rhizome)
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Alisma Rhizome

택사 (澤瀉) · Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juz.
Diuretic herb Cold Sweet, salty Kidney, Bladder
NatureCold
TasteSweet, salty
MeridiansKidney, Bladder
Part usedRhizome
FamilyAlismataceae
CategoryDiuretic herb
Find by concern: EdemaFrequent urination

Overview

Alisma rhizome is the classic water-draining herb of Korean tradition, valued for clearing heat trapped in the bladder and freeing up water passages that have stalled. It is the sixth and final member of Yukmi-jihwang-hwan, added specifically to keep the formula's rich tonifying herbs from becoming stagnant.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑
性寒, 味甘醎, 無毒. 逐膀胱停水, 治五淋, 利膀胱熱, 宣通水道, 通小腸, 止遺瀝.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is cold, its taste sweet and salty, and it is non-toxic. It expels stagnant water from the bladder, treats the five stranguries, clears bladder heat, frees the water passages, opens the small intestine, and stops urinary dribbling.

Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam

  • Drains dampness, promotes urination
  • Clears bladder heat
  • Frees the water passages
  • Balances rich tonifying formulas

Traditional applications recorded in the classical text

  • Edema and water retention
  • Difficult or dribbling urination
  • Cloudy or scanty urine
  • Dizziness from fluid imbalance

Traditional preparation

Decoction 6–12g; a core ingredient of Yukmi-jihwang-hwan alongside rehmannia, cornus fruit, and yam.

Cautions

Caution: The Donguibogam itself notes that it can drain the kidney and should not be taken in excess or for long periods, with classical sources warning that overuse may affect the eyes. Not for those with kidney deficiency without dampness. Consult a professional.
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Frequently asked questions

Why is alisma added to Yukmi-jihwang-hwan when the formula is meant to tonify?

The Donguibogam tradition pairs rich tonifying herbs with a small counterbalance so they do not stagnate — alisma's draining action keeps rehmannia and cornus fruit's dense nourishment moving rather than accumulating.

Is alisma safe to take long-term on its own?

The Donguibogam explicitly cautions against excessive or prolonged use, noting it can drain kidney qi. It is traditionally used within formulas rather than as a standalone long-term herb.

Sources