Zexie

澤瀉

Alisma orientalis

History of Use First appeared in the Divine Husbandman's Classic of the Materia Medica.

Traditional Use Zexie is made from the tuberous stems of water plantain. A sweet, bland herb that is cold in nature, it enters the kidney and bladder meridians to promote urination, drain dampness, reduce oedema and clear deficiency fire from the kidneys. It is useful for treating urinary disorders and vertigo, dizziness and tinnitus caused by excessive phlegm.

Origin and Sources The stem tuber of Alisma orientale (Sam.) Juzep., family Alismataceae.

Zhiko

枳殼

Citrus aurantium L.

History of Use First appeared in Grandfather Lei's Discussion of Herb Preparation.

Traditional Use Aurantii Fructus is the immature fruit of the bitter orange. It has bitter, acrid, cooling properties and enters the spleen, stomach and large intestine channels. Its properties are very similar in nature although stronger to those of the ripe fruit, which is frequently used to move the chi and reduce distention and pressure, and is especially appropriate when a patient is deficient and weak. If there is constipation, the immature fruits are more suitable.

Origin and Sources The immature fruit of Citrus aurantium L., family Rutaceae.

Zhusun

竹笙

Dictyophora indusiata (Vent. Ex Pers.) Fischer

History of Use First appeared in Grand Materia Medica.

Traditional Use Zhusun is a precious edible fungi that is sweet and cold in nature. It is used to regulate the flow of chi, tonify the spleen and stimulate the appetite. It can also help stimulate peristalsis of the bowels and is a rich source of fibre, thus relieving constipation and removing accumulated toxins and waste products.

Origin and Sources Fungi of Dictyophora indusiata Fischer, family phallaceae.

Zinc

鋅

Modern Use Zinc tablets are often taken to hasten recovery from colds and flu due to their role in increased immunity. The mineral may also be able to play a role in treating autoimmune diseases.

Traditional Use Zinc is needed to maintain healthy skin, bones and hair, and for the functioning of several enzymes involved in digestion and respiration. It is also required by the body for the transfer of carbon dioxide in red blood cells; for proper calcification of bones; for the synthesis and metabolism of proteins and nucleic acids; for the develpoment and functioning of reproductive organs; for wound and burn healing; for the functioning of insulin; and for a sense of taste. It is also an important mineral for maintaining a strong immune system.

Origin and Sources Food sources include beef, liver, oysters, spices and wheat bran.

Zisuye

紫蘇葉

Perilla frutescens

History of Use First appeared in Materia Medica of Medicinal Properties.

Modern Use The extract and decoction have been found to have a weak antipyretic effect, reducing fever. In vitro studies, the herb inhibits the growth of staphylococcus.

Traditional Use A pungent herb that is warm in nature, zisuye enters the lungs and spleen to release the exterior and to dispel wind cold, treating associated wind-cold symptoms such as headache and blocked nose. It also harmonises the middle burner to stop vomiting and regulate stomach function, calms foetal chi to prevent morning sickness or risk of miscarriage, and treats the symptoms of seafood poisoning.

Origin and Sources The leaf of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt. var. acuta (Thunb.) Kudo, family Labiatae.