Gan Sui

Botanical Name: Kansui Radix

Gan Sui

Category: Harsh Expellants

Dosage: 0.5-1.5g

Cautions and Contraindications:

• This substance is toxic and should only be used for ascites or other excess-type disorders, and then only for a very short time.
• Contraindicated during pregnancy.

Actions and Indications:

• 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 distension.  This is a violent, cathartic herb that causes one to pass water anally.
• Drives out phlegm: for seizures from wind-phlegm or withdrawal-mania from recalcitrant phlegm congealing and clumping.
• 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.