State/School

Pacific College Comps

Pharm Name

Kansui Radix

Common Name

Kansui Root

Category

Downward-Draining Herbs/Harsh Expellants (Cathartics)

Ingredients

Taste

Bitter, Sweet, Toxic

Pao Zhi

Temperature

Cold

Action / Indication

1. Drains water downward and drives out thin mucus: for draining of severe accumulation of fluid in the chest and abdomen. Also for generalized edema, facial edema, and abdominal distention. This is a violent, cathartic herb that causes one to pass water anally. 
2. Drives out phlegm: for seizures from wind-phlegm or withdrawal-mania from recalcitrant phlegm congealing and clumping. 
3. Clears heat and reduces swelling: used topically for swollen, painful, nodular skin lesions due to damp-heat. The herb is most appropriately used during the early stages of this disorder. Herbs that clear heat and resolve toxicity should be given orally at the same time. 

Treatment Principles

Harshly Expels Water
Strongly Purges
Eliminates Phlegm
Clears Damp-Heat

Contraindication

Gan Sui is a highly toxic herb with severe side-effects. And overdose could be fatal. It should only be used when absolutely necessary, and with extreme caution. It should never be taken during pregnancy, or with any deficiency condition, bleeding disorder, kidney or cardiovasular condition, or in those with a history of ulcers.

Dosages

1.5-3g decoctions, 0.3-1g as a powder added to a strained decoction.

Meridians

KD, LI, LU

Tom's Comment

Source

Formula Type