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Gan Sui / Kansui Root, Lit. "Sweet Process"
Gan Sui
Taste: Bitter, Sweet • Temperature: Cold • Category: Downward Draining • Sub Category: Cathartic

Dosage

1.5-3g decoction, 0.3-1g powder

Actions

1. Drains water downward & drives out congested fluid: for draining severe accumulation of fluid in the chest & abdomen. Also for generalized edema, facial edema, & abdominal distention. This is a violent, cathartic herb that causes one to pass water anally.

2. Clears heat & 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 & reduce toxicity should be given orally at the same time.

Meridians

Kidney, Large Intestine, Lung

Cautions

The use of this herb is limited to severe patterns of excess in robust patients. Contraindicated during pregnancy. May be incompatible with gan cao & may antagonize yuan zhi. Gan sui is toxic & side effects include nausea, vomiting, palpitations, abdominal pain, backache, & hematuria.