Herbs That Drain Damp

These herbs can treat 2 types of dampness.  The first section is dampness causing edema and/or  congested fluids in the chest and digestive system.  These herbs are successful at treating edema below the waist in the lower extremities.  Acute edema should be combined with herbs that release the exterior while chronic edema should be combined with herbs that tonify spleen and kidney Qi.  The second section is dampness complicated with heat.  With this disorder there will be heat signs of fever, burning sensation, yellow discharges with stagnation symptoms of distention and fullness.  Lin syndrome (painful urination), Shi  Wen (warm febrile disease), damp sores and Jaundice all fit under this category.

The main method of treatment is to induce dieresis so the excess heat will be drained out in the urine along with the excess water and fluids.  These herbs must be used with caution and special care must be used to make sure yin deficiency does not occur.

Fu Ling

Properties: SWEET, BLAND – NEUTRAL

Dosage: 9 – 15g

Fungus Nucleus

Meridian: HEART, SPLEEN, LUNG

-promotes urination , drains damp

-strengthen spleen, harmonize middle Jiao

-quiet’s heart and calms spirit

Zhu Ling

Properties: BLAND – COOL

Dosage: 6 – 15g

Fungus Nucleus

Meridian: SPLEEN, KIDNEY, BLADDER

-promotes urination, drains damp (combine with Fu Ling)

-Yang jaundice – lin syndrome

Zu Xie

Properties: SWEET, BLAND – COLD

Dosage: 6 – 15g

Water Plantain

Meridian: KIDNEY, BLADDER

Root

-promote urination, drains damp in lower burner

-drain deficient kidney fire

Yi Yi Ren

Properties: SWEET, BLAND – COOL

Dosage: 9 – 30g.

Seeds Of Meridian: SPLEEN, LUNG, KIDNEY

Jobs Ears

-Promote urination, drains damp

-strengthen spleen, stops diarrhea

-expel wind-damp, relieve joint and muscle pain

*contraindicated during pregnancy

Mu Tong

Properties: BITTER – COOL

Dosage:  3 – 9g.

Akebia Vine

Meridian: BLADDER, HEART, SMALL INTESTINE

-promote urination, drain heat from heart through the small intestine.

-promotes lactation, Un-blocks blood vessels.

Hua Shi

Properties: SWEET, BLAND – COLD

Dosage: 6 – 15g

Talcum Powder

Meridian: KIDNEY

-promote urination, drain Heat from bladder lin syndrome

-clear heat, summer heat  and damp heat through urine.

-absorbs dampness (oozing eczema) used topically.

*contraindicated during pregnancy

Che Qian Zi

Properties: SWEET  – COLD

Dosage: 4.5 – 9g.

Plantago Seeds

Meridian: KIDNEY, BLADDER, LIVER, LUNG

-promote urination, drain heat from bladder

-solidify stool ,  clear/brighten eyes.

-lung heat – expel phlegm, stop cough

Bian Xu

Properties: BITTER – COOL

Dosage: 9 – 15g.

Knot Weed

Meridian: BLADDER

-damp heat in bladder – promote urination, re lin, xue lin syndrome

-expels parasites

-itchy skin